With principal photography beginning next week, Edinburgh-based Amygdala Productions has announced the growing network of businesses, venues, and organisations supporting its upcoming feature film Blacklisted, as the independent production prepares to begin filming across the capital.
Principal photography on Blacklisted will take place from September to October, with the production bringing together an independent cast and crew and filming across a range of locations in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Among those supporting the production are some of the city's most recognisable institutions and locations, including The Caledonian Edinburgh and Edinburgh Zoo, alongside Barnton Bunker, Liberty Consult Construct, Studio67, Dhu Brew, Wildfire Gin, Bizhu Jewels, Kimz Cafe and Hustle Gym.
The support ranges from filming locations and logistical assistance to products, services and creative collaboration, helping bring an ambitious independent Scottish feature film to life in Edinburgh.
For Amygdala Productions, the partnerships have also demonstrated the willingness of Edinburgh's wider business and cultural community to get behind independent filmmaking in the city.
Nitin Ramtri, General Manager of The Caledonian, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting Amygdala Productions and see The Caledonian Edinburgh play a part in bringing a new Scottish production to life. The Caledonian has been part of Edinburgh’s story for more than a century, so it’s exciting to see its distinctive character and heritage provide a backdrop for a new piece of cinema. We’re extremely proud to support Scotland’s creative industries, and we look forward to seeing the hotel brought to life on screen.”
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which operates Edinburgh Zoo, said:
“The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is pleased to be supporting an Edinburgh-based production company in bringing this Scottish film to the screen. Edinburgh Zoo has a firm place in the hearts of Edinburgh’s residents and it’s great to be part of a group of iconic locations in the city bringing this story to life. Scotland’s creative industries need support more than ever, just like Scottish native species, and RZSS is proud to be supporting both.”
The production has also received practical and logistical support from fellow Edinburgh business Liberty Consult Construct.
Scott Biddle, Managing Director of Liberty Consult Construct, said:
“A chance meeting led to a great conversation with the team at Amygdala Productions, and we’re delighted to be able to support them by providing some practical and logistical assistance.
As two Edinburgh-based companies, it’s great to have the opportunity to support a local creative business at such an exciting stage in its journey. We’re looking forward to seeing what the team achieves and, hopefully, to a relationship that continues to grow and flourish.”
The production will also make use of the distinctive Barnton Bunker, with support for the film contributing to the site's ongoing restoration.
Benjamin Mitchell of Barnton Bunker said:
“It’s great to support a feature film being made here in Edinburgh and to see the bunker used as a filming location. The donation will go directly towards the ongoing restoration and preservation of the site.”
Alongside its location and logistical partners, Blacklisted has attracted support from independent Scottish brands and creative businesses.
Studio67 will contribute photography and visual storytelling to the production.
Jegathesh Kumaran Jayakaran of Studio67 said:
“Supporting Blacklisted has been a very special opportunity for us at Studio67. We’re proud to support the entire team by bringing our photography and visual storytelling experience to the production. We’re delighted to be part of the journey and to contribute our skills to capturing the story behind the story. From the people on set to the moments that happen between takes, we’re looking forward to documenting this chapter and being part of the team bringing Blacklisted to life.”
Scottish drinks brands Dhu Brew and Wildfire Gin are also collaborating with the production.
Jeremy Fraser of Dhu Brew said:
“Dhu Brew beers are moderate strength beers crafted for their flavour, for grown-ups who love the taste of a great beer but not the hangovers. We are delighted to be collaborating on Blacklisted with the phenomenal team at Amygdala Productions.”
James Varga of Wildfire Gin said:
“We are delighted to be teaming up with Amygdala Productions for Blacklisted, which is shaping up to be an amazing film. Watch out for our cameo appearances, alongside a cast of stars! Wildfire gin, a gin that feels like a small expedition.”
Additional sponsors and supporters of the production include Bizhu Jewels, Kimz Cafe and Hustle Gym.
A new psychological thriller made in Scotland
Blacklisted is a psychological thriller exploring ambition, validation, manipulation and the unequal relationships created by the pursuit of success.
The feature is being produced by Amygdala Productions and directed by Zakaria Elbahi, with Bethany Jordan-Morel as Lead Producer and Kate Szekely as Producer. The key creative team includes Robyn MacKinnon as 1st Assistant Director, Simon Williamson as Director of Photography, Ryan Kerr leading the Sound department, Beth King leading Hair and Make-Up and Paloma Nicol leading Costume.
Blacklisted is led by Milena Abilova and Je’maya Jackson alongside Stephen Corrall, Ynyra Williams and Daniel Khawar, with a wider supporting cast including Jeremy Fraser, Freya O’Horo and Oscar Girsa.
Filmed across Edinburgh with a largely Scotland-based production team, Blacklisted draws heavily on the city’s locations while Amygdala Productions continues to build relationships with businesses and organisations across the capital.
Bethany Jordan-Morel, Lead Producer on Blacklisted, said:
“As we get ready to begin filming next week, I think one of the things that has meant the most to us is seeing just how many people and businesses across Edinburgh want to help us make this film happen.
Independent filmmaking relies so much on people choosing to believe in an idea before there’s even a finished film to show them, and we feel extraordinarily lucky to have had that. We’ve got iconic Edinburgh institutions opening their doors to us, and local businesses supporting us with equipment, products, locations, logistical support and, in some cases, simply their time. It’s meant we’ve been able to be so much more ambitious with Blacklisted.
We’re incredibly grateful to every single person and organisation that has chosen to back us. There are so many people who have now played a part in getting Blacklisted to this point, and we want to make a film that everyone who supported us can watch and feel proud to have been part of.”
