Studio Scotland Ltd
Production News...

From Head of Production
What a busy year! Catch up on all the latest project news from Deborah

Scottish Indie Enjoying MIPTV and Med (from All Media Scotland)
11/04/2008 - A Scottish, independent TV production company is reporting ‘a high level of interest’

Oxford: BritDoc

I have attended BritDoc every year since it began, although this year it is joining with the Sheffield DocFest to become the British documentary festival

Cannes: MipCom '2010'

Back to the South of France where for the last few years we have been exibiting at MIPCOM, the global content event for co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing

Studio Scotland TV Web Portal

Studio Scotland is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a new web portal which will showcase our broadcast and theatrical productions.

Sony Professional Independent Certified Expert (ICE)

DP Stewart Menelaws, is an appointed ICE member for the Sony Broadcast Corporation

Studio Scotland provides footage for Sony Professional showreels

With our extensive use of the Hi End XDCAM HD422 products we were asked to provide Hi Definition footage to be incorporated into Sony's Showreels for international professional trade shows and presentations.

Studio Scotland in Co-Production Talks

After a number of meetings Deborah Forrest has been in discussions with a long standing broadcast production company and international director. Having recently worked together on an exciting new Game Show pilot for Romanian TV, we hope to make another exciting announcement shortly.

Studio Scotland and Lectrosonics Radio Products:

Considered the Rolls Royce of audio radio equipment for use in broadcast and major film production, Studio Scotland have taken ownership of the very latest Lectrosonics system. The move to Lectrosonics was seen as necessary in keeping with future film production projects in 2010. Review coming soon.

Studio Scotland & The Master Stroke DVD Tutorial Series

Hailed as the bible for Lime Mortar product application, this growing collection of DVDs, started at the beginning of 2009 is now being sold worldwide through leading lime production agents. We hope to be adding a further three titles shortly, for further information visit the European Master Stroke website complete with on-line shop.

Studio Scotland puts Sony's XDCAM HD422 Through its Paces

At the start of the year Studio Scotland Ltd took delivery of the new Sony PDW-700 XDCAM HD422 camera system. Since then they have put the camera and codec through numerous projects from the heat of the Negev Desert to the dark wine cellars of Santenay. Whether for TV commercials, DVD or theatrical projects the image quality from this full raster 1920x1080p 422 camera is excellent. See our reviews below.

Studio Scotland Equipment Reviews

Special Appeal

Teenager Cancer Trust Remember Zoe Appeal

It is our continued privilege to be of assistance to appeal co-ordinator Lynne McNicoll of Teenager Cancer Trust, with DVD presentations entitled "Remember Zoe Appeal". Zoe was a lovely young woman who was struck down with cancer at the tender age of 17. All funds raised for the appeal are being used to help teenagers treated in Edinburgh fight cancer through the creation of two specialist Teenager Cancer Units in Edinburgh City. One of our regular voice over artists, Fenella Kerr, came into the studio to work with us to help capture the right feel for what is a very moving presentation. Musical backing was donated by Travis, one of Zoe's favourite bands.

Further information on this very worthwhile cause please contact Lynne directly at or visit the website at .

". thank you so much for your amazing work on the DVD; it is a wonderful tribute to Zoe - I very much appreciate your help..."
- Lynne McNicoll (Appeal Co-Ordinator) Teenage Cancer Trust

Audio Production

SFX Technologies & The RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind)

We have been working with high technology provider SFX Technologies for a number of years as provider of specialist audio files for numerous clients as Scot Rail , Tesco and Newcastle Metro to name but a few. Our In-House professional voice-over artists are helping to enhance the lives of sight impaired people throughout the UK.

Web Projects

Garden Plan-it



Local Fife landscape company - Garden Plan-it asked if we could help them with a new multi media look.. Within 2 weeks we designed a new website with a couple of short web movies depicting the company. Tthey are thrilled with the results - we are always pleased to be able to help local companies.

"We are absolutely delighted, totally impressed with the service and the incredible results - business has increased 10 fold! Customers tell us after viewing our site they don't bother going anywhere else..."
-Steven Ogg (Director Garden Plan-it)

Photography

The BIG Guns

Boss, Purdey and Holland & Holland are amongst the world class gun makers who have commissioned Studio Scotland. One Boss commission lasted 6 years, with various specialist shots required of guns, accessories and historical records. Lighting, of course, is critical to quality gun photography since fake use of inks or compounds cannot be rubbed into the engravings to help bring out detail. All of our work is produced in special edition gun books for international markets.

"Absolutely first class, stunning photography... Images created by Stewart Menelaws were used as centre piece spreads ... "
- Donald Dallas (Author for Holland & Holland, Purdie & Boss International gun makers)

Hadden Homes Ltd

Set on the banks of Loch Tay, you couldn't have a more idyllic setting in which to create photographs that get the advertising juices flowing. There was only one problem though... ''

Highmore Homes Ltd

Studio Scotland Ltd is no stranger to the building trade, having worked throughout the UK on advertising campaigns, large scale multi media centres and of course photography and video productions. UK builder Kenmore Homes won a prestigious design award that was conveyed through our photographic imagery.

" Studio Scotland Ltd has consistently provided Highmore Homes with high quality and innovative work in all aspects of the services
provided - an absolute joy to work with."
- Lorraine Hume (Sales & Marketing Manager)

King Sturge

Commercial building photography can be viewed throughout our extensive portfolio. The developments shown above required that special touch for Kings Sturge - so, when the weather is dreadful (well, we are in Scotland!) we are called in to make it all look just perfect.

"Stewart and the team at Studio Scotland have... always bent over backwards to accommodate... the photography I need done for my clients, often at very short notice. With his design background, Stewart always understands exactly what our clients require first time..."
-Steve Christie, Print2000 (Former Photo Agent for Kings Sturge, Rocco & Torrelli)

BlueLine24

What do you do when you have to photograph a busy office in the centre of Edinburgh in the middle of the work day; the front of the building doesn't see the sun at this time of year and the finished images are needed yesterday? We came, we saw, we shot - the rest is another very satisfied new client.

Rocco & Torrelli

In years gone by, catalogue photography was a staple for the team at Studio Scotland Ltd, but various production techniques now make this a less than profitable market for a Scottish based studio .

However, when we were asked to photograph numerous pairs of designer spectacles to be prepared as white cut-outs for a print company, we were happy to accommodate. Of course, the right kind of reflections are very important with this type of product, particularly with some of the more delicate frameless models that require trick lighting to be able to show the rim of the lens.

Caledonian Heritable, Archerfield

The phone only rings from these guys when the impossible is needed! The phone rang, they had five luxury houses partially built - that's right - and surrounded by heavy construction works, and, oh yes, we know it's raining most days but we need the shots completed within a week.

No problem, completed pics showing beautiful houses set in garden with driveways, gates, ornaments, trees, planting and of course, all looking like it was shot on a glorious day - delivered on time and on budget.

Film & Documentary Projects

The Daniel Project

The Daniel Project is an international docu drama ... a mix of high tech effects, ancient scenes depicting world empires and high profile interviews with

Designed For Disaster - a working title

A documentary that investigates what must be ranked as one of the most tragic naval disasters of the Great War. Beautifully reconstructed to take the viewer

The Petersen Files

 A tense thriller set in a quiet fishing village on the cost of Scotland. Julia Petersen is in possession of a document that will for ever change the lives

Video Projects

Wine Importers UK

Wine Importers has been a leading independent wine supplier for over 30 years and after researching for a suitable production company, contracted Studio Scotland Ltd to produce promotional films that would take our team into the mountain regions of Bordeaux and down into the wine cellars at Santenay. Further details coming soon.

Niall Mac / Yamaha at Knockhill

Capturing British motor cycle champion Niall Mackenzie as he put a Yamaha R1 through its paces at Knockhill Racing Circuit was quite a challenge. Strapped into and onto various platforms tracking the high speed motorcycle with a large format Hi Def broadcast camera inches from the tarmac produced beautiful images which have been used in the new edition of Visor Down motorcycle magazine. To get the whole story plus an unforeseen ending, go to

Crieff Hydro Hotel

Set in the picturesque Strathearn valley, Crieff Hydro has been welcoming guests from all over the world for more than 150 years. While it’s always a joy to work in such settings, a tight production schedule is absolutely critical to achieve the results required to produce material for corporate DVD, web infomercials and TV commercials. Over a number of days, sweeping landscapes, action off-road and numerous hotel interiors were shot with the Sony XDCAM HD 422 camera system mounted on dolly track, crane and stabiliser rigs for stunning High Definition footage that just has to be seen on the big screen to be appreciated. ‘Behind the Scenes’ coming soon.

"The Studio Scotland team were a pleasure to work with, producing extraordinary results on a set budget and within a tight production schedule. Not only did they show great technological insight but
also a sound understanding of the brief and target audience
for each production. We look forward to working with them
again in the near future.
- Geoff Morrison (Marketing Manager , Crieff Hydro Hotel)

The Master Stroke DVD Tutorial Series

At the beginning of the year Studio Scotland Ltd and St Astier Limes UK collaborated on what is being hailed as the definitive – international collection of training DVDs in regard to Lime Mortar use within the building industry – both new build and historic restoration. From the ancient fortresses of King Herod’s palace at Masada to the latest hotel structure in Las Vegas, these 1 hour long DVDs required a highly organised production schedule with very demanding filming and editing requirements. '' .

" Due to our previously very successful working relationship… This format, established in conjunction with Studio Scotland’s marketing expertise, demonstrated that through training and product placement,
we could easily be in a position to radically change the knowledge
base of the industry in a time scale we would have considered unimaginable a few years ago. It’s a joy to work with seasoned, innovative professionals who know what is important for a
successful production and can deliver the goods on time..."
- Douglas Johnston (Technical Advisor , St. Astier Limes)

The Thistle Foundation

The Thistle Foundation, headquartered in Edinburgh chose Studio Scotland Ltd for their latest DVD project. Filming in and around Glasgow, with requirements to meet strict scheduling, a fast shooting style, Hi Definition production formatting and chromakey were a priority.
This production is highlighted in our Public Sector & Charities showreel.

We invited three companies to tender.. we made a good choice, going with Studio Scotland Ltd!... unfailingly patient and helpful... we have ended up with a fantastic film which we are very proud to show to potential students and employers
Nikki Bruce (Project Manager - Thistle Foundation)

Evans Easyspace

Studio Scotland Shoots the Prime Minister!

We are of course talking about filming here.. Gordon Brown visited his home constituency of Kirkcaldy recently to support Evans Easyspace, who are building another business centre at the John Smith Business Park. ''

The 4 Tenors Opera, Odense, Denmark

Danish group "The 4 Tenors" contracted Studio Scotland Ltd to produce a Hi Definition opera documentary / promotional DVD. With special guest appearance by bass-baritone Ronnie Johansen, filmed in Odense. '

"First of all, a huge round of applause, not only with the amazing quality of the product but also the incredible speed with which you have made this..."
Thomas Praestegaard (The Four Tenors)

CESA Saint-Astier, France

The beautiful town of Perigueux in Bordeaux set the stage for filming throughout this region of France where lime is mined from a vast cave system that spans over twenty miles. Shot in Hi Definition... ''

"Having worked with Studio Scotland before I am 100% sure that the final products threy produce will be excellent."
Dr Ugo Spano (Director Staint-Astier Limes)

St. Astier Limes UK

Having a large covered training centre to be able to film various scenes such as the building of stone walls, mixing mortars and renders, surface repairs and wall renders using pressurised spray equipment, all without the worry of the Scottish weather. ''

Fighting Fire (a division of Fife Builders Ltd)

Contracted by the Fife based company, Fighting Fire, to produce a corporate DVD and folder. Working alongside the Fife Fire & Rescue Service, the client was particularly impressed with the resulting Hi Definition footage of the burning room set. ''

Hilton Hotels - Dunkeld House

Set in the heart of Perthshire, Dunkeld House, Hilton Hotels, is a beautiful setting to shoot a film. Fast flowing rivers, jumping salmon, majestic birds of prey and, of course, stunning scenery. Shot in a wide screen film format, filtration effects and a big screen music score to achieve the desired atmosphere... ''

Superleague Formula SF - Spain

Showing off Rangers Football Club's sleek new F1 race car were two lovely ladies that did more than their fair share of attracting passers-by at the recent Scottish Motorshow at Knockhill. Keen to practice their interview techniques, each of the girls took turn firing questions at Rangers fans while The Studio Scotland production team got the best angles on the girls, fans and, of course, the car. See footage in our showreels.

Knockhill Racing Circuit

2008 Scottish Motorshow (Knockhill Racing Circuit)

One of the many highlights at the Motorshow was watching and filming former soldier Ben Shaw in record breaking form, race 'round Knockhill's track. Ben, who lost his sight during a bomb attack in Iraq, was delighted with his perfomance on the circuit. This record breaking lap was filmed by Studio Scotand for various news channels.

Knockhill Chromakey Training Video Producion

Video production using chromakey was required to combine the presentation skills of British Touring Cars driving ace Gordon Sheddon with dynamic aerial and trackside footage, the results will set your heart racing. ''

Scotland's leading racing centre for world-class motor sport. Studio Scotland has produced a long list of filming projects for Knockhill. Helicopters, cranes and vehicle mounts were used to capture fast action shots with cameras, at times, inches from the ground at speeds of up to 80mph. ''

Knockhill Christmas TV Commercials

Continuing on from the past two years, we have completed a number of short TV commercials, including Knockhill Christmas promotions. highlights of the commercials, aired during November and December between 2007 to 2009, can be seen in our showreels.

"Able to produce top class results - on time and on budget. Studio Scotland is much, much more than just a creative production company - they are a team of professional individuals who collectively have a tremendous wealth of experience..."
-Stuart Gray (Sales & Marketing Manager - Knockhill Racing Circuit)

Historic Scotland & The Scottish Lime Centre

With director Stewart Menelaws having an engineering background, it was one of the many reasons why we were chosen to replace and correct previously filmed material, going on to produce a number of DVD & New Media projects for a client who are now regular visitors to our studio.

". There is no substitute for working with professionals and there is no question Studio Scotland are all of that, they make the whole process easy..patient, helpful and courteous to a fault, and the results, well..it's been one of the best things we have ever done."
-Roz Artis-Young (Director Scottish Lime Centre Trust)

Lift Off - Fife & Tayside Development