In a rare move for a UK university, UWS will directly support the production of a new independent feature film - highlighting its commitment to students and strengthening Scotland’s screen industries.

Still Falling, a film by UWS filmmaking graduate Harvey Gardner will begin shooting this summer with extensive involvement from UWS, alumni and emerging Scottish filmmakers.

Harvey, a graduate of UWS’s MA Filmmaking programme, is known for his short film UFO, which won Best Postgraduate Drama at the national Royal Television Society Student Awards in 2020.

Still Falling tells the story of a lonely young man who gathers his old friends to seek out a time capsule they buried years ago with their deceased fourth member – in a poignant attempt to recapture what was lost.

The film is being supported by UWS’s Creative Media Academy, which is embedding both alumni and current students in the production. So far, six MA graduates, 10 BA graduates, and three current students have joined the team – with plans to involve up to twelve more students during the summer shoot.

 

Still Falling is a powerful and personal story, and we’re immensely proud to support Harvey as he takes this exciting next step in his filmmaking journey. We believe Scotland’s creative industries should be built on homegrown talent and that means backing our graduates beyond the classroom. This film reflects UWS’s mission to develop not only skilled filmmakers, but a sustainable future for Scotland’s screen sector. We’re proud to play our part in making that happen.

Professor Nick Higgins, Director of the UWS Creative Media Academy

 

This opportunity reflects the practical, industry-focused approach that defines UWS’s BA Filmmaking & Screenwriting and MA Filmmaking programmes. The BA and MA courses which are delivered at the University’s Ayr campus and from Film City in Glasgow respectively, combine storytelling, technical craft, and creative collaboration, with a strong focus on real-world projects and partnerships.

 

Returning to work with UWS on this project has been really meaningful for me. I was given the support and space to grow as a filmmaker here and to now be working alongside a team made up of so many fellow alumni and students is really special.There’s a lot of creative talent in Scotland, and this project shows what’s possible when that talent is supported.

Harvey Gardner, writer and director of Still Falling

 

Filming will take place in Carbeth, Stirlingshire, where the production will work closely with the local hutting community. Scenes will be filmed in and around two huts, as well as in woodlands, fields and the nearby Campsie Fells.

A Crowdfunder campaign to support the production was recently launched to coincide with the release of a new trailer. Anyone who would like to support the film’s production can contribute here and follow its progress through production this summer.

More information on the BA (Hons) or MA filmmaking programmes, can be found here.