About GMAC Film

AN OPEN ACCESS MEDIA CENTRE

GMAC Film is a skills and talent development centre for independent filmmakers, young people and professionals working in film

GMAC Film is a registered charity and social enterprise. All income supports our work with young people and the independent filmmaking community.

We provide resources and deliver a creative, artistic programme for all people interested in film, regardless of age, background or income. We also create content and hire out space from our Glasgow base at Trongate 103.

We support the development of an inclusive and diverse screen sector by hiring out production and office space as well as training and screening facilities at low cost. GMAC Film is uniquely placed to bring industry and community under one roof, making real life connections, supporting creativity and collaboration.

GMAC FILM HISTORY

A charity established in February 1982 as Glasgow Film & Video Workshop, GMAC Film has had equality and diversity at its heart for 37 years. GMAC Film works with over 1,500 people every year who would otherwise not have access to high quality moving image activities due to financial, cultural and geographical barriers. Founded as an open access centre for independent filmmakers in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, it aimed to enable a greater diversity of people to make films. This, despite changing patterns of funding and outreach, remains the core purpose of GMAC Film today.

In 2009 GMAC Film moved from its premises in Albion Street to Glasgow’s newly developed flagship arts centre at Trongate 103.  We occupy the 5^th Floor, where we hire out office space, a Training Suite, and a Screening Room, and from time to time host productions in our large production office space. With our community projects running in the same space, the 5^th floor is a vibrant and inspiring Creative Hub for anyone interested in film.

GMAC Film is committed to tackling inequality in the screen industries by working with people from under-represented groups and hard to reach communities who are interested in film in all its forms. We remove barriers to participation and support participants to develop their skills, confidence and passion for film as a creative activity or a potential career. Through engaging in creative activities, we support them to develop transferable soft skills to build confidence and aspirations in all areas of life.

Our programmes – both industry and community facing – have an excellent track record of success. Our current plans are determined by the possibilities of the future, and informed by the solid achievements of the past.

INCOME GENERATION

In addition to the programme of funded activities, GMAC Film generates income through its Creative Hub by offering our fully equipped 48 seat Screening Room, Training Suite and office space for hire to creative individuals and organisations. Affordable production space encourages excellence and experimentation for the local filmmaking community, as well as access to training, employment and volunteering opportunities to GMAC Film participants. In this way GMAC Film is uniquely placed to bring together people from under-represented groups with opportunities for creative learning, skills development, production and employment.

GMAC Film has, for 37 years, navigated changing funding climates by carefully using its valuable resources to benefit the wide community that it serves. This has been made possible by the enthusiasm and passion of the people who have worked for the company over the years.  Currently there is a staff team of seven, together with volunteers and an active Board of Directors. Freelance staff and local filmmakers support the delivery of projects. The Board of Directors meets every 6 weeks and the Youth Team of young advisors meets monthly to consult on the delivery of the youth programme.   

As everyone is aware, public and grant funding is ever harder pressed, and although we are extremely fortunate to be supported by Screen Scotland for this year and next, we, like all third sector companies, need to become more sustainable, and so therefore we are launching our MEMBERSHIP, DONATION AND SPONSORSHIP programme, which we hope will excite all of our supporters as much as it does us.

IMPACTING INDIVIDUALS & THEIR COMMUNITIES

We are proud of our ability to work with groups and individuals that other film and TV organisations struggle to reach. We believe that the work we do has a huge impact on the people that we work with and their communities.

The value of this work on young people cannot be underestimated. Research shows that young people from low income, care experienced, and BAME backgrounds and young people living with a disability are less likely to engage in creative activities. It also shows that increased participation improves their life chances, including improved attainment in education and employment.

GMAC Film supports young people from under-represented groups to develop their skills and confidence and supports people of all ages and backgrounds to realise their aspirations in film. We aim to challenge the inequality of access to screen activities to people in Glasgow and to use the power of film to support the development of our communities.

We challenge inequality by creating an open, accessible space for everyone interested in film, whilst targeting groups and individuals from communities that are under represented both on and off screen. These include:

• Low Income
• Ethnicity
• Disability
• LGBTQ+
• Care Experienced

We also support women and girls to excel in technical and leadership roles.

All youth activities are free at the point of delivery, and transport and food are provided.

We ensure that all activities are fully accessible to all.