A pioneering initiative by Screen Scotland has successfully leveraged local post production and VFX talent.
- The PGF Project Post was launched in response to industry shifts due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes.
- Glasgow’s FixFX has secured a key role in producing HBO Max’s ‘The Penguin’.
- Collaborations included working closely with an Oscar-winning make-up team to enhance character portrayals.
- Projects like ‘The Penguin’ highlight Scottish studios’ rising influence in global productions.
In a significant move for the Scottish post production and VFX industry, Screen Scotland’s strategic initiative has begun to bear fruit. The PGF Project Post, crafted in response to the downturn caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, aims to draw prominent film and television productions to Scotland. In a notable achievement, this initiative played a pivotal role in the inclusion of FixFX, a Glasgow-based production company, in the production of HBO Max’s ‘The Penguin’.
FixFX’s involvement with ‘The Penguin’, a high-profile Gotham-set series, stands as a testament to Scotland’s growing presence in the global media landscape. Colin Kennedy, CEO of FixFX, expressed pride in their participation, highlighting it as an ‘incredible privilege’ to contribute to such a renowned project. The Scottish company worked intricately with HBO’s award-winning make-up team, showcasing their expertise in enhancing and refining character portrayals, most notably that of Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin.
David Smith, Director of Screen Scotland, accentuated the momentum building within the Scottish film and television sectors. According to him, the state’s locations and studios have become increasingly enticing for top-tier productions. He noted that notable figures such as Guillermo del Toro and Douglas Mackinnon have sought out Scotland for their recent projects, further cementing its reputation as a hub for physical production.
The flexibility of post-production work, which is not confined to location, allows Scotland to leverage its world-class facilities and skilled professionals. The support provided by PGF Project Post marks a crucial step towards attracting projects like ‘The Penguin’, offering an opportunity to globally showcase Scottish post-production and VFX capabilities.
The successful collaboration on ‘The Penguin’ exemplifies the promising trajectory of Scottish studios in the international media industry.
