GCU Entrepreneurial Hub backs MA TV graduate’s debut film
A romantic comedy written and directed by an MA TV Fiction Writing graduate is to be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland thanks to GCU's Entrepreneurial Hub.
BAFTA Scotland New Talent winner Kevin Walls funded his first feature film, Premature, using savings amassed from freelance work across acting, screenwriting, sports video production and short-form content.
The 2018 MA TV graduate then secured £5,000 in seed funding from GCU's Entrepreneurial Hub to help cover the costs of securing a cinema release.
Kevin said: "The seed funding unlocked a theatrical release for us, covering essential costs including the BBFC rating, subtitling and audio description, allowing the film to make a much greater cultural impact than it would have by going straight to streaming.
"We can bring Premature to Scottish audiences in Scottish cinemas and give people the opportunity to see a home-grown film on the big screen."
Premature, which follows two millennial flatmates, Eilidh and Cameron, who find out they are having a baby, will be released in cinemas on 18 September.
The film was shot across 23 days last summer at locations in Glasgow, including Kelvingrove Park and the Griffin pub in Charing Cross.
Kevin added: “Visually, I leaned into bright colours and saturation, presenting Glasgow in contrast to how it often appears on screen. People fall in love with the city, yet that version of Glasgow isn’t always visible in film and television.
"It’s incredibly exciting that we can bring the film to a mix of local cinemas, including venues serving more remote communities, as well as multiplexes. That means we can make the film available to a really wide audience across Scotland, rather than limiting its reach to the major cities."
GCU's Entrepreneurial Hub offers dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, support and guidance to staff, students, and alumni. Members can also benefit from the opportunity to apply for seed funding and attend exclusive masterclasses.