Pre-production is nearing completion on an independently produced martial arts film, shot entirely on location in and around the Grampian area of the North-East of Scotland – set to begin in mid- 2018. Drawing inspiration from classic 1970s Chinese martial arts cinema, the script for the aptly titled ‘Shadow of the (North) East’, has been written by local filmmaker Niall Ross, for whom, this has been a long-standing pet project.
Ross, whom has recently graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with Bachelor Arts degree in Television, cites his love for martial arts cinema as one of the major influences on his pursuit of a career in the film industry.
Having only lately been provided with the opportunity to finally make this passion project a reality, in addition to writing the script, Ross will also take up the directorial mantle on the production.
Planned to be filmed on location in the North-East of Scotland and comprised entirely from a local Scottish cast and crew, Ross has expressed a desire to showcase the beauty of the Scottish outdoors, along with some talented young Scots working toward a successful career in the film industry.
What is the film about?
During a recent Skype interview with HongKongFury.com, Ross divulged some information regarding the plot and what we can expect to see in the film. The film will follow the character of ‘Gordon Mackie’, a humble florist (proficient in the martial arts, of course) driven to seeking revenge on a local gang who falsely implicate his brother in a crime he didn’t commit. Taking inspiration from the typical martial arts theme of revenge and honour, Ross’s film – ‘Shadow of the (North) East’ will have an underlying Scottish theme, sharing the overtly dramatic dialogue of typical Chinese martial arts films, but spoken entirely in the local Scottish dialect – Doric.
Ross also eluded to some of the locations in the North-East, carefully chosen for the production. He told HongKongFury.com, “For some of the exterior locations, I really want to show off the Scottish countryside, hopefully capturing some pretty vibrant colours. Filming will take place at the likes of Braemar, Ballater and Tyrebagger Forest – just to name a few.”
Though ambitious in scope, ‘Shadow of the (North) East’, is intended to be produced against a modest budget, a factor which Ross suggests, may even lend toward the authenticity and desired style of his film, reflecting that of the often low-budget, hectically produced Hong Kong martial arts films of the 1970s. Ross told us, “Yeah, the budget projected for the film’s production is a massive consideration, but going for that kind of guerrilla film-making, hopefully it will be beneficial in providing a similar style to that of the films that have influenced me, like ‘Fist of Fury’ or ‘Enter the Dragon’.”
Cast and Crew
Aberdeen-based actor, Andy Noble, has been cast as the imposing lead protagonist ‘Gordon Mackie’. A previous collaborator of Ross’s, due to having the right look and physical fitness required for some of the fight sequences, Noble has long been the primary casting choice of the film’s lead. Some of Noble’s recent credits include, the National Theatre of Scotland’s production ‘GRANITE’ (2016) and the short horror film ‘PANDORA’ (2016), directed by Drew Mewse.
Check out our recent interview with Noble, discussing the upcoming film and his enthusiasm for the genre.
In addition to Ross, the crew will comprise of members from the Aberdeen-based production group ‘Pirate Panda Productions’, with whom Ross has also previously collaborated with, on various short films.
For the film’s score, Ross has employed local musician Jack Skinner. Skinner, proficient in guitar, bass, drums and synth, is also an avid martial arts film enthusiast. HongKongFury.com recently interviewed the young musician, discussing the project and potential influences for the film’s score.
When can we expect to see the finished product?
“Well, the script is nearing completion, despite finding myself doing some re-writes of certain scenes. Shooting will begin in summer 2018, and providing the amount of time required for post-production, I want to make sure I’ve given myself as much time for that process as I need. But I am aiming for a late 2018 release.” Ross told HongkongFury.com.
While paying homage to the classic martial arts films from which it was inspired, having a uniquely Scottish theme to its premise, will provide a different take on a classic genre. Employing a Scottish cast and crew has the potential to promote the type of talent currently flourishing within the Scottish creative industries.
Ross’s ‘Shadow of the (North) East’, is shaping up to be a very exciting project, of which, HongKongFury.com will be following the progress of eagerly.
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