AN ambitious film-maker from Langbank hopes his latest project will fire Scotland’s fairytales into the spotlight and preserve the nation's myths and legends for generations to come.
Fraser Coull, who studied at James Watt College in Greenock, has been working on his new short film, Faithful, since October 2022.
The project is now in post-production, with filming having recently taken place in spots across North Ayrshire.
Faithful follows Vaila, played by 16-year-old Lily McGuire, and her best friend – a mythical dog known as the cù-sìth.
When Vaila tragically loses her mum, she blames herself and distances herself from her family.
She goes in search of the cù-sìth in the hopes of being dragged into the fairy world to reconnect with her mum.
Fraser, who wrote and co-produced the film, said: “It’s about grief, loss, belief and acceptance.
“It’s aimed at a family audience, but we’re not talking down to the kids.
“I’m trying to create a Marvel-style universe but for Scottish fairytales.
“I’ve got a wee boy and want him to be as excited about Nessie and the Kelpies as he is for superheroes.
“At the moment, these stories are being passed on generation to generation – but it would be great to do that on a big scale.”
Fraser and his team crowdfunded £18,000 to cover the costs of production and ensure cast and crew were paid at least minimum wage.
This included an £8,500 contribution from sponsor Simon Webster, with the film also receiving a grant from Kiran’s Trust – a charity which celebrates the creative arts and sport.
Faithful stars a number of familiar Scottish faces, including Gary: Tank Commander’s Greg McHugh, Mrs Brown’s Boys actor Gary Hollywood, River City and Balamory star Juliet Cadzow and Fresh Meat's Kimberley Nixon.
Award-winning folk singer Josie Duncan has also penned an original song for the project.
Fraser, who currently lives in Glasgow, said: “For a short film with not a lot of money, we absolutely knocked it out of the park in terms of cast.
“All five of them are stars.”
Fraser added that director Lucy Linger and producer Valerie Andrews were absolutely crucial to getting the project off the ground.
It is hoped that Faithful will be available to watch on STV Player by the end of the year.
Fraser hopes to continue working on projects which not only promote Scotland’s fairytales, but also the talent within the country’s creative industries.
He added: “I’m trying to put Scotland on the map.
“We’re such a talented country.
“We want to take this globally. As much as it’s a local story, it’s a story that’s globally accessible. It’s about getting eyes on Scotland.
“I want to go everywhere with it.”
Fraser now hopes to raise £6,800 to record Josie's song in both English and Gaelic with a string quartet at Blackbay Studios on the Isle of Lewis.
To contribute to this project, go to indiegogo.com
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