'Hello, Muscles' Launches on The Big Screen

‘Hello, Muscles’ – a short film shot entirely in Dundee designed to shine a spotlight on the work of young carers – made its debut on the big screen on Saturday 28^th January at 12pm at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA).

The film includes Scottish stars from Game of Thrones and Outlander, Kate Dickie and Richard Rankin, as well as the up-and-coming young actress, Dorothy Blyth. The film was directed by Marnie Baxter, working with producers Alexander Newland and Rory Rooney to bring this important project to life. The screenplay was written by Matthew Hurt.

With funding and support from Screen Scotland, as well as other local businesses including full-service legal film Gilson Gray, the project was able to offer several young carers an opportunity to shadow various stages of the filming and production process.

The screening at DCA celebrates the release of ‘Hello, Muscles’ on Screening Shorts – a library of short films from the worlds of live-action drama, animation and documentary for use in the classroom. The film hopes to show pupils across the UK what it feels like to be a young carer, to create conversation around the stigmas attached and to highlight the support that is available. The film is also supported by Carers Trust Scotland.

Rory Rooney, producer, said: “This wee film has actually changed lives. It’s incredible when you make something and you can see the positive impact it’s having.”

A Q&A session will follow the premier screening, including the director, producers and actors, as well as Louise Morgan, director of Carers Trust Scotland and Fi Milligan-Rennie, head of education at Screen Scotland.

The project was sponsored by Chris Dailly, Tony Cochrane, Indigo Hotel Dundee and Gilson Gray.

Lindsay Darroch, partner and head of Gilson Gray’s Dundee office, added: “This project is a great example of Dundee’s growing cultural and creative scene and we were pleased to play a part in making the idea come to life. The film shines an important spotlight on young carers who are often unsung heroes, giving them a creative outlet and an opportunity to learn film-making from the professionals. It was great to see the buzz it created among the local community.”

Film overview

Summertime in Dundee. 11-year-old Victoria lives with her mum and Samson the dog, along with Trevor, her mum’s boyfriend. Victoria hates Trevor. He’s a brute who calls her ‘Twiglet’ and locks Samson in a cage. But when she catches him stealing from her mum’s purse, Victoria realises enough is enough, she needs to get tough and get rid of Trevor once and for all. But on her quest to build muscles, Victoria uncovers a different kind of strength, and reveals what it really means to be strong.

If you would like to discuss anything in this blog, please contact Lindsay Darroch: LDarroch@gilsongray.co.uk