I've been sitting on this domain name for a long time waiting for the right vehicle to come along. Tired of waiting and having already rejected an offer of $10,000 for the domain I decided to start it myself, combining some of the things which interest me most. The aim is to build the site into a much larger project - at the moment TheHighlands.com is dedicated to bringing together the finest mountain film and photography as well as news from 'highlands' around the world.

Labels: film, internet, landscape, the highlands

Have just finished a 5 day Digital Film course run at the Screen Academy Scotland with support from SkillSet Scotland. It covered everything from scheduling to editing with a bit of everything in between. There was a lot to take on board, but with great support and advice from the tutors and guest speakers I think everyone took a lot away with the. My conclusions were:

  1. digital film making is as complex a field as web production
  2. while the technique can be mastered working with people is the real art
  3. producing drama is time consuming, beset with risk and frustration
  4. a clear vision of the outcome and methodical preparation is a good start

Thanks to everyone involved in making it a great learning experience.

Labels: film

I've just returned from the Kendal Mountain Film Festival, where I spent 3 days indulging a passion for mountain films. The event was very well attended and goes from strength to strength each year. Also showing was the ScottishHills.com film 'The Big Grey man of Ben Macdhui' which as co-director I presented to a full house on Saturday morning.

For a full review see: www.thehighlands.com.

Labels: film, mountains

The ScottishHills.com short film 'The Big Grey Man of Ben Macdhui' has been named as 'Best Highland Amateur Film 2007' at the Fort William Mountain Festival. It was screened along side other the other winning films, most notably Asiemut.

The prize was an especially commissioned plate by Fired Earth and a cheque (which will just about cover the dvd duplication costs!). John and I went up to collect the award and enjoy the screening, assisted by the multiple samples Highland Park being being given away Jason from Bramble Bar! Small world indeed.

Labels: film, mountains, the highlands