Protest planned in Edinburgh

Unpaid workers are to picket the premiere of 'The Flying Scotsman' at this year's Edinburgh Film Festival.

Aug  1 2006

Trouble is brewing in Edinburgh as protesters are planning to picket the world premiere of 'The Flying Scotsman' at the forthcoming film festival.

Producers Mel Films Limited have gone into administration, resulting in more than 60 members of the cast and crew still awaiting pay.

In response, they are threatening to picket the film's opening night with the support of BECTU, the UK union for the broadcasting, film theatre and entertainment industries.

However, the festival's managing director Ginnie Atkinson claims that their efforts could backfire for the film, which is currently seeking distribution.

'Only by the film achieving distribution do the unpaid stand a chance of being paid,' she told Screen Daily. 'It is understandable that people are fed up and angry but focusing on the festival screening is counter-productive. Distributors like to see how audiences and critics react to a film and that's what Edinburgh will provide.'

'The Flying Scotsman', which stars Jonny Lee Miller and Brian Cox, will premiere at Edinburgh on August 14.