Scotland’s Mobile Cinema Launches SOS Appeal to Bring Hollywood to the Highlands

Living in the most beautiful but remote parts of the country comes with many challenges, but thanks to Screen Machine, access to the latest films on the big screen isn’t one of them, with the service delivering an essential link to popular culture, a positive boost to mental health, and an exhilarating way to bring communities across Scotland together.

To lose this would see thousands missing out on something most of us take for granted. But this is the situation Screen Machine finds itself in.

The current machine is on loan, replacing a vehicle that had finally broken down after many years of loyal service. But the hired machine is too temporary, too costly and doesn’t fit on every ferry, meaning some islands go without.

They need a sequel, a more reliable, comfortable and sustainable vehicle, capable of reaching every community.

And they need help.

Global digital technology business Collective and the operators of Screen Machine have thrown their support behind the fundraising campaign providing a stunning short film narrated by Hollywood actor Alan Cumming and social assets depicting how Screen Machine brings Hollywood to the Highlands.

The 60-second film (along with 30’ and 10’ cutdowns) features the familiar voice of Alan Cumming explaining the backstory of Screen Machine as we watch the vehicle travelling through breath taking Scottish scenery and see some of the many people who benefit from the service. As we pass through the locations, we see representations of the famous Hollywood sign displaying the names of the tiny villages and towns before we are warned that the future really is in the balance, and a shot of the Screen Machine hanging precariously off the edge of a cliff in homage to ‘The Italian Job’.

The film is scored by the hugely acclaimed Scottish indie-folk band Tide Lines and the track ‘Rivers in the Light’, helping to give the images an even more epic feel. 

Regional Screen Scotland, the operator and manager of the Screen Machine mobile cinema service, has joined forces with technology and creative agency Collective London to save Screen Machine by creating a campaign to raise an initial £100,000 which they hope will convince the Scottish Government to put the extra cash towards the £1.7 million needed to replace their broken-down mobile cinema.

A hired vehicle is currently being used but to secure the service well into the 2040s, a new vehicle must be purchased and the appeal urges film fans across Britain and beyond to donate what they can to help put pressure on Holyrood to continue bringing Hollywood to thousands each year.

Screen Machine Facts

• The service has been running for 26 years
• Serves over 34,000 people across 44 communities, half of which are islands
• 21,000 tickets sold per year
• Approximately 80 ushers
• Travels over 9000 miles per year….not including ferry journeys
• A new vehicle will secure the service for at least another 17 years

Find the Crowdfunder page here. 

Simon Drysdale, interim chief executive officer of Regional Screen Scotland, said, “The popularity of the Screen Machine mobile cinema service is beyond doubt. Over the summer we’ve seen excellent numbers of customers come along to enjoy the big screen experience in their local communities. But what is very much in doubt is the future of the service. Today’s launch of a campaign to raise £100k from customers and supporters is intended to push potential major funders, including the Scottish Government, into action before this precious resource is lost.”

Zack Gardner, senior copywriter at Collective, said, “First dates, 4th or 14th or 40th birthday parties, the latest blockbuster or just something nice to do on a rainy weekend. Whether for excitement, escapism or both, going to the pictures is always a treat. That’s why I loved Screen Machine from the moment I heard about it. And so did Collective. Any part we could play in making sure this experience can keep being offered to, and accessed by people who live in our country’s most beautiful and remote places was a complete no-brainer. ‘Mon the machine!”