DigiCult’s Incubator programme intensified over the winter months.

Building on last year’s call for talent and projects, we have five feature length stories now in development with Scottish based writers and writer-directors.

The cross genre slate features drama, horror, thriller and comedy material from Gregor Johnstone (Night of the Wolf), Norrie Bissell (The Last Man In Europe), Sam Firth (Isobel), Marcus Harbern (Cape Wrath) & Tom K. McCarthy (Persevere).

Currently at outline, the first scripts will appear in the summer.

Applications are open for the Playwrights’ Studio Screenwriting Residencies in association with Binger Film Lab. Over the next 6 – 9 months, up to 12 Scottish or Scottish based writers will have the opportunity to develop a feature film script working with experienced mentors, including tutors from Binger Film Lab in Amsterdam. You’ve only got a few weeks till the deadline so get your application in.

Staged over three residential weekends in Glasgow, there will also be two public events with inspiring contributors from the world of film. Participants in the residency will take part in master classes with these speakers.

For more information visit the Playwrights’ Studio website. The screenwriting residency programme are supported by Creative Scotland’s Creative Futures programme.

Following two months of hard graft on their story, script and project ideas, Eva Riley and Tom Chick have been commissioned  by DigiCult and Creative Scotland to produce their first funded shorts with the company.

Eva’s naturalistic piece ‘Sweetheart’ tells the story of two sisters struggling with their inter-dependency and competing sexuality. And Tom’s lyrical re-telling of the traditional tale ‘Death In A Nut’ draws inspiration from the films of Bill Douglas, deftly exploring a son’s struggle with a stranger who comes to visit his ailing mother.

Congratulations to both these film-makers and commiserations to the remainder of the short film talent pool. Everyone worked hard throughout the development process: Ryan Adams, Antonia Bain, Hugh Farrell, Sam Firth, Neil Hepburn and Mark Rossi. DigiCult wishes you every success with your future film projects.

Alongside Zack Copping’s ‘Foxy and Marina‘ (in post production), ‘Sweetheart’ and ‘Death in A Nut’ complete DigiCult’s short film slate for 2011.