A multi award winning business and production company
A multi award-winning business, production & distribution company
Production News
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Studio Scotland Ltd
Corporate & Commercial Film & Video Production News
Last update 9th February 2024
From Head of Production: Deborah Forrest
As we enter a new year, there have been many changes in regard to video production and social media content and we continue to work with a number of clients on how best to make use of new technologies. Our director Stewart Menelaws has in recent times returned to physically producing music arrangements and more on that to follow.
The Dinosaur Project Release
The Dinosaur Project – An Inconvenient Discovery – is now available from our shop store. A physical DVD version will be available closer to the end of year. The soft tissue research into dinosaur remains is astonishing and this 58 minute documentary includes cutting edge scientific research never before disclosed to the general public. If the research conclusions are proved correct, then the dinosaur story will need to be changed… dramatically! as will our understanding about the human race.
The Dinosaur Project completed...
It's been a difficult project to complete due to the Covid restrictions and travelling challenges but we got there in the end. This documentary is full of ground-breaking scientific investigation and footage never been seen out-with the laboratory. The explosive research brought to light in this film is at this time being prepared for scientific review. We hope to see the documentary available in the coming weeks.
After 6 months of research and preparation, we can now finally announce the production of our latest documentary program. While the title is still to be confirmed, the subject matter has to be one of the most fascinating topics that we can only speculate about. While these creatures of old have held a fascination ever since the first recorded discoveries, without doubt, their fame and mystery spread through feature films such as Jurassic Park and TV documentaries like Walking with Dinosaurs. But in recent years, a mystery has come to light, a mystery that, in the beginning, was hidden away for fear it would upset everything we think we know, not only about dinosaurs but our very existence.
Trailer... coming soon.
PECO Becomes New BMR Distributor
We are very pleased to announce that PECO, a leading manufacturer within the world of Model Railway products and, of course, its Railway Modeller magazines, has just become a distributor for the Build a Model Railway series.
Despite the Covid Challenges...
Producing high quality educational films for a leading conservation training centre takes planning, scheduling and lots and lots of time. Studio Scotland was contracted to do four such films, in record time, meeting all the required guidelines regarding Covid-19. Here is what the client had to say:
"I would urge anyone thinking of creating an instructional video to engage Studio Scotland without reserve. I could not recommend Studio Scotland highly enough, very professional and creative throughout the process. Our four instructional videos were all filmed, scripted and edited throughout COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. All government advice regarding filming, social distancing were strictly adhered to and could not have been achieved without the professionalism of both Studio Scotland and staff at the Scottish Lime Centre Trust."
Roz Artis (Director - Scottish Lime Centre Trust)
PECO Model Railway Review
Peco – The UK's leading model magazine publisher has, along with others, recently reviewed our Model Railway DVD series in the Railway Modeller. Arguably the best known model railway manufacturer in the world, Triang Hornby has also been sharing the news of our Model Railway documentary on Amazon Prime TV and director Stewart Menelaws was recently interviewed at length by Lawrence Robbins for the BRM on-line virtual exhibition show.
Due to this recent exposure, Studio Scotland has been contacted by a number of model rail enthusiasts looking towards future productions... Watch this space.
Music Production at Studio Scotland
Music arrangement and sound design play an important role in the wide range of video/film productions produced at Studio Scotland. For the main part, music productions are procured from various producers from around the world. This new year sees director Stewart Menelaws return to taking a more hands on approach in the production of themed music tracks. Take a look at our new Music Production page.
Drone Services at Studio Scotland
Aerial photography and filming have always been a part of work undertaken at the studio utilising a mix of single-engine aircraft and helicopters. Today, drones are commonplace and for this new year, we can now offer a fully insured professional drone service with qualified operator. Used recently on one of our Amazon Prime documentaries, tracking model railway locomotives, in the coming weeks we will be filming a number of documentary programmes in different parts of the country.
Model Railways (New TV Documentary)
Our latest 60 minute TV documentary film covering model railways, manufacturers and the modellers behind the scenes, featuring a wide variety of beautiful layouts and spectacular engineering projects, is now airing on Amazon Prime TV.
Building a Model Railway DVD 3
Despite the challenges of Covid-19, part 3 in this series has been completed and is now on sale both in HD digital download and DVD from our own webshop and various retailers throughout the country. It’s also airing on 24Trains.tv, the European hobbyist channel.
"Watched this from beginning to end with no interruptions. Loved it! Found it really informative and interesting. The only disappointment was when it ended!!” Big John Bowman
The Lamplight Project Series on Amazon Prime TV
The Lamplight Project 12 part episodic series takes a journey through The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, with leading international scholars and academics and beautifully illustrated with award-winning CGI graphics and film.
The Master Stroke Series on Vimeo
The 5-part Master Stroke series which covers preparation and use of lime mortar within the building and restoration industry is available from our Vimeo Channel - https://vimeo.com/ondemand/masterstroke. The series covers: Making lime mortar, plastering, rendering, building & pointing and masonry repair. These are also available from our shop in DVD format (PAL / English only)
24Trains.TV Becomes Digital Distributor
We are pleased to announce that 24Trains.TV have become a digital distributor for the Building a Model Railway series.
24Trains.tv is the new online streaming platform showing everything about trains. Whether you are looking for videos, books, travel reports, tutorials, model trains, holidays, magazines, series or documentaries about trains, 24Trains.tv has it all.
Building a Model Railway Parts 1 & 2 (1080p HD) can be found on 24Trains.tv. The platform is available in more than 160 countries in English, German and Dutch and can be viewed via your smartphone, tablet, laptop, pc or even your TV via Chromecast or Apple Airplay. www.24trains.tv
For those who still prefer DVDs, please visit your local model shop or our own web shop as we continue to supply throughout the current Covid-19 crises. You can also purchase the digital download from our shop.
News coming soon regarding the third production in the series.
Metcalfe Models & Toys Distribution
We are very pleased to announce that Metcalfe Models and Toys have gone from retailer to UK wholesale distributor of the - Building a Model Railway - DVD series. Of course, Metcalfe card construction models feature heavily within the series and for good reason. Their kits are beautifully designed, easy to construct, tremendous value for money and they look great on our studio layout.
With support from leading manufacturers such as Bachmann Europe, DCC Concepts, Hornby, Metcalfe, PECO, TMC, Oxford Rail and others, July should see the release of the third production in the series. A Digital distribution contract is at present in the process of being agreed and we should be making an announcement soon.
Building a Model Railway 3 is in production and we have a busy schedule ahead filming throughout the UK. Leading manufacturers will once again be involved in the latest production. This months Railway Modeller magazine by PECO gave DVD 1 a superb review and will in due course be reviewing DVD 2.
The Daniel Connection – Amazon Prime TV
The Daniel Connection Feature Film is now available on Amazon Prime TV and can be viewed in English speaking territories - USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The recent launch was enabled through a sub-distribution deal between the film’s US distributor California Pictures and Canadian distributor Syndicado. While the film was made a few years ago, its relevance today is without doubt a chilling insight in regard to its prophetic observations.
New Website for 2019
September saw the launch of our new website which incorporates a number of sub websites that cover various film / video productions. It’s been a long time in coming, but here we are at last.
The new website has a much cleaner look and only shows some of the projects we are working on at the present time. For those of you interested in years gone by and the extensive number of projects we have covered from throughout the UK / Europe and various other countries, there’s a link at the bottom of the page (Not yet available).
Building a Model Railway Part 2:
The first part in the series was aimed at the model railway newcomer and hobbyist. Jam packed with graphics, illustrations, interviews, hints and tips, Studio Scotland recently launched Part 2 taking the viewer into greater detailing and technologies such as Digital Command Control. Production also included filming around the country getting interviews from leading manufacturers and dealers such as Bachmann Europe, PECO, Metcalfe Models, DCC Concepts, weathering specialists - TMC and others.
Building a Model Railway DVD / VOD
Building a Model Railway Part 1 is a one hour production that took 12 months to construct and film. This beautiful OO gauge model railway layout sets the foundation for future productions.
From planing and design to construction of buildings, scenery and backdrop, the entertaining and educational film, aimed at newcomers and enthusiasts alike, presents an overview 'How To' for each stage of the hobbycraft process. Using products from model railway companies such as Bachmann, Hornby, Gaugemaster, PECO, Metcalfe Models, Javis, Woodland Scenic and Oxford Diecast (to name a few), it has already been well received by both model manufacturers and retailers and is now available to purchase in DVD and VOD from this site and a range of model shops:
Find out more from its dedicated website and feast your eyes on the 2 minute trailer.
www.buildamodelrailway.com
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/buildamodelrailway
From Creative Director: Stewart Menelaws
If you have a film/video project that’s important to you, then you need the services of an experienced production company. Gives us a call, drop us an email… come for a coffee… have a wee read of our testimonials. We are here to help. TEL: 01383 415690 or email Studio Scotland.
Corporate & Commercial Production Examples:
(We do not show projects where we have been sub-contracted or covered by Non-Disclosure Agreement)
Hilton Hotels
The Hilton Group have always been a pleasure to film for and one of our most favourite locations is at Dunkeld.
Hilton Dunkeld is set in a beautiful location and having filmed there in previous years we were familiar with the landscape and the every changing seasons. Setting up at 6.00am down by the river could be a magical experience as the swirling mist rolled down the river and the rising sun pierced the early morning dew with rays of light. Every minute that passed, the light would change – a beautiful sight but often frustrating to film.
Clan Anderson
Having recently shot a great deal of footage throughout Scotland for an Austrian TV Documentary programme in regard to the YES / NO campaign, it seemed appropriate to be contracted to work for the Clan Anderson Family and to that end we met with the Chief of Clan Anderson, Mr. Hope-Vere Anderson.
Pearsons of Duns
Located in the Scottish Borders, Coal & Builders Merchant Pearsons of Duns commissioned Studio Scotland to produce both a promotional film and a product tutorial. Completed on time and budget, the films are now being used to promote this long established business.
Knockhill TV / Radio Commercials
Having brought many cinematic filming techniques to Scotland's famous racetrack, we are no strangers for thinking outside of the box within a tight budget.
Knockhill Racing Circuit was looking for something a little different for their latest TV commercial and the crew hot off their latest film set spent a day laying dolly tracks, rigging lights and smoke machines to create something with a little more atmosphere. Voice over was from the great racing presenter legend - Murray Walker.
Crieff Hydro Hotel Commercials
Longstanding client Crieff Hydro Hotel, once again, contracted Studio Scotland to produce a number of television commercials to be aired on STV over the autumn and Christmas periods.
Over the years, Crieff Hydro has contracted Studio Scotland to produce a wide range of video projects for TV commercials, web infomercials, plasma display and presentations. While it's always a joy to work in such settings, a tight production schedule is absolutely critical to achieve high quality results.
Winning Scotland Foundation
The Winning Scotland Foundation (WSF), contracted the team at Studio Scotland to create and shoot nine short films that would dramatise issues faced by young adults, parents and coaches in the world of amateur football.
Distell Ltd
Global leader in fish and meat measurement products, Distell, contracted Studio Scotland to create a series of multi media films in a range of international languages. Multi-media support, provided by Studio Scotland, will enable these films to be viewed from a smart phone on the deck of a deep sea fishing trawler in the Bearing Sea to an I-Pad on the floor of a busy meat market in Argentina.
Laing O'Rourke
Lang O'Rourke has won many awards for their prestigious construction projects throughout the UK. As a company with an excellent reputation for quality they were looking for a production company that would best project their corporate image. Studio Scotland were contracted to meet a demanding project and delivered on time and budget.
The Wider Access Forum
In recent times the UK Government has backed a drive to promote science in education in a bid to encourage youngsters into this field of learning and Fife based The Wider Access Forum contracted Studio Scotland to create an educational DVD that would show the lives of young adults who have embarked on various careers..
Bosch - Global Impressions 125 years: Schottland
International engineering giant, Bosch, celebrated its125th birthday. To commemorate the event, 125 photographers where contracted from around the world to record an exact moment in time. Studio Scotland was sent to a wind farm in the Scottish Highlands to capture documentary images of one of those moments.
Brand-Rex
Brand-Rex, the world's second largest data cabling manufacturer came to Studio Scotland with high expectations for their company promotional movie and they weren't disappointed. They wanted something that would set them apart from the competition, and they got it. We also do training films in various languages for their engineers.
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 to produce their corporate film. Filming took place throughout Scotland and France.
Chardon Wines
Chardon Wines is owned by the Murray Family and Studio Scotland was contracted to produce two promotional films at Château Routas in Bordeaux in the South of France and Jessiaume in Santenay in the North. Although a very tight schedule was required to keep pace with grape production, this was one of those jobs where the subject called for the creative use of light, shade and colouring.
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 to showcase Sony's XDCAMHD 422 Codec and PDW-700 camera at broadcast events in Europe. To get the whole story plus an unforeseen ending, go to Sony XDCAM HD 422 Review.
The Master Stroke DVD Tutorial Series
Studio Scotland and St Astier Limes UK collaborated on what is hailed as the definitive – international collection of training DVDs in regard to Lime Mortar application within the building industry. From the ancient fortresses of King Herod's palace at Masada to the latest hotel structure in Las Vegas, these one hour long DVDs required a highly organised production schedule with demanding film and editing requirements.
The Thistle Foundation
The Thistle Foundation, headquartered in Edinburgh, chose Studio Scotland for their latest DVD project. Filming was set in and around Glasgow, with requirements to meet strict scheduling that required a fast shooting style yet with the need for thoughtful consideration to all who partook in the production.
De 4 Tenors Opera, Odense, Denmark
Danish group "The 4 Tenors" contracted Studio Scotland to produce an opera documentary / promotional DVD. With special guest appearance by Norwegian bass-baritone Ronnie Johansen, the project was filmed in Odense. High Definition Footage from the film was recently used in a Danish Television programme.
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.
Historic Scotland & The Scottish Lime Centre
With director Stewart Menelaws having an engineering background, it was one of a number of reasons why we were chosen to replace and correct previously filmed material, going on to produce DVD & Web projects for The Scottish Lime Centre Trust.
Equipment Reviews
Over the years we have reviewed many pieces of equipment new on the market from camera systems by JVC, SONY and RED through to lighting systems, audio equipment and rigging products. Below are links to many of those products that were once cutting edge technologies and have been useful in helping many newcomers to the film / video world.
Reviews
RED ONE MX Camera Review
RED ONE MX Working Update
Sony Independent Certified Experts Review
Studio & Location Lighting Review
Ricsonix Camlynx Wi-Fi Mic Review
Studio Scotland in the News
Click on the thumbnails below to read the articles
Lee Davis' T4 van beast creation is used in the apocalyptic thriller, THE DANIEL CONNECTION and featured in magazine My T4 Van. Mag staff interviews the film's head of production, Deborah Forrest, to find out just how they planned to use the van in the film.
The Autumn 2010 issue of Sony's The Producer features three of Studio Scotland's international clients, Brand-Rex, Wine Importers and Chardon Wines. Showcasing images from their latest promotional movies, The Producer asks DoP Stu Menelaws about his filming techniques for these projects.
This October MipCom (The world's entertainment content market) will host a Scottish whisky reception where, of course, Studio Scotland will, once again, be represented at the UK Indies Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival. Deborah will comment further on this shortly.
Studio Scotland's Deborah Forrest gave her take on the future of documentaries in a 'Hot Docs' special as she was interviewed by Broadcast Magazine while attending the Toronto Hot Docs Film Festival in Canada. Not all is doom and gloom but...
British motor cycle champion Niall Mackenzie is filmed by Studio Scotland as he put a Yamaha R1 through its paces at Knockhill Racing Circuit as featured in Visor Down magazine, highlighting a rather unexpected ending to the day's shoot.
Studio Scotland again featured in Sony's high-end camera trade magazine, The Producer. This time around, in the Autumn '09 issue - titled A Country Retreat, the article highlights Studio Scotland's upgrade to Sony's sharpest digital camera to date, the 422 PDW-700.
Studio Scotland featured in the Fife Business mag, FB - May '09 issue. The article, titled Eco-friendly panels are in the spotlight, reports on Studio Scotland's lighting equipment changeover to the more energy efficient and 'kinder to the environment' LED lighting panels.
Studio Scotland featured in Sony's trade magazine, The Producer. The article highlights Studio Scotland's adoption of Sony's high definition broadcast video capture format XDCAM HD.
Scottish Quality Management Centre
Training and Education films have always been a busy side for us over the years and without doubt there is definitely a 'best approach' when looking to produce video tutorials that work…
“I first approached Studio Scotland when looking for professional quality video production and editing services locally, for an E-learning project at SQMC. Stewart and Deborah Menelaws were most welcoming, informative, and patient; making the entire process a breeze for the presenter and I. We were delighted with the results, and hope this pilot course will lead to a series of others. If so, I’ll have no hesitation in outsourcing to Studio Scotland again, and would highly recommend their services to anyone with similar requirements.”
Kenny Hannah, Director of Operations at the Scottish Quality Management Centre (SQMC)
SONIS Europe
In the corporate world we recently completed a short promotional film for a high technology alarm company and utilised a range of film, graphics and animation to help explain the products available.
“We want you to know that we are extremely pleased with the quality of service your company provides. We sincerely appreciate your responsiveness and the way you conduct business in such a professional and friendly manner. We look forward doing business with you for years to come.” Anne Marr (Director – Sonis Europe)
The Spirit of Discovery (Award Winner 2018)
Taking 2 years to complete and recently awarded Best Educational Documentary 2018, Spirit of Discovery was produced for the organisation Truth in Science and the DVD / VOD is available from our shop. A special cut of the project has been sent to over 7500 educational departments throughout the UK & Ireland. The project focuses on critical thinking in the science classroom. Part dramatisation, filming involved 20 actors on location in the South of England and interviews with scientists from a number of countries covering a wide range of topics. The documentary has been aired on cable TV and is now in the hands of an American distributor.
The Master Stroke Tutorial Series
We have recently tested our VOD service available for Lime Mortar Distributors utilising a Download-Code feature which we thank one of the USA agencies for successfully trialling on their on-line shop.
The Master Stroke Lime mortar series (A 5 DVD / VOD Set) is a comprehensive work, detailing the use of Lime Mortars in a wide range of environments carried out by professional tradesmen and training educators. Filmed in both the UK and France and used to illustrate The Haynes building manual, these high quality productions continue to educate lime mortar use within – the making of lime mortar, lime render (external plaster), lime plaster, building and pointing with lime and surface repair of masonry.
For further details, trailers and product purchase go to the dedicated website:
The Lamplight Project – New for 2019 (version 2)
The Lamplight Project was originally released in 2016 and is an expansive 12-part multimedia presentation covering a wide range of Biblical subject matter. In February of 2019 the video on demand series was re-edited to accommodate one of the latest scholars to be interviewed – Dr. Darrell Bock, Professor of New Testament studies.
Complete with interactive study guide which can be downloaded and printed out and or used on mobile devices. The guide is connected to over 1000 short and long form studio interviews and films on a host of Biblical topics from a wide range of accredited academics, scholars and experts.
For latest news, details and trailer go to the dedicated website: www.thelamplightproject.tv.
The Ark Encounter
In 1990, Stewart and Deborah were asked to prepare a remote controlled flying rig that could carry a camera system into an area of the Ararat Mountain range in Turkey to photograph what some claim to be the remains of Noah’s Ark. In 2017 along with the crew they would find themselves at a giant replica of what many believe the great ship would have looked like – not in Turkey, but Kentucky – USA.
The Daniel Connection Feature Film
(New Distribution for 2019)
The Daniel Connection is a 90 minute full length feature film and was acquired for international distribution by California Pictures at the end of 2015. California Pictures is based in Hollywood on the Paramount Pictures lot and has the interesting story of bringing back to life the studio once owned by Howard Hughes.
In 2016, film rights were acquired by international Scandinavian distributor Sandrew Metronome, covering Scandinavia and part of Europe. Asian distribution was acquired in 2018 for Asian territories. In 2019, California Pictures has recently finalised a contract with USA, UK, Australian and other English speaking territories through a Canadian distributor and further details should be known in August. The film will be available in HD 4K.
For latest news, details and trailer go to the dedicated website.
The Daniel CONNECTION website
The Daniel CONNECTION on facebook
Premiered in Edinburgh 22nd November
Opening to a full house at Cineworld - we could not have hoped for a better response and who better than the audience to tell you what they felt.
"What a truly incredible film! Gripping from the start, it drew the viewer in… first class cinematography with a soundtrack which kept the audience in a state of tension and expectancy - excellent!"
As the audience filed out of the theatre, comments were captured on camera…
"Gripping, Stunning, Fantastic, Wonderful, Challenging, Thought-provoking…"
Sony Independent Experts and Showreels
In those early days of high definition broadcast camera systems – Stewart Menelaws would turn from JVC’s early offerings and favour Sony’s XDCAMHD system with its outstanding picture quality and compression technologies. Studio Scotland would go onto to use these early systems on a wide range of projects which caught the eye of Sony Broadcast Europe and, so, Stewart would be asked to join a number of international DoP’s to be an independent expert. You can read a number of articles following the work of the studio in Sony’s ‘Producer’ magazines.
In the following years Sony would feature many clips shot by Stewart as he tackled a wide range of subject matter that showed the capabilities of the camera system and Codec.
Regional and National Awards
Studio Scotland has always shied away from awards or any other form of recognition; it’s just who we are. Thanks to the kindness of those who felt we should be recognised for some of the work we go about quietly and, to that end, the company was awarded both a regional and national business award with the addition of a commendation. Recently, one of our productions would also receive ‘Best Educational Documentary 2018’. Thank you to those who took the time and trouble to do this.
