About The Filmmaker

David Graham Scott is a controversial Glasgow-based documentary filmmaker and inspirational public speaker on addiction issues. His highly authored films are unique visions of the world he inhabits and the offbeat characters he encounters. He has experience in directing, pitching new ideas, researching and DV camera operation. He is also a trained film archivist and a university graduate in Film Theory/Art History.
David has worked on hard-hitting projects including WireBurners, Detox or Die and The Dirty Digger. His films have aired across the BBC at both local (BBC Scotland) and national (network) level.

Summary

In the autumn of 1996 Frank McKue returned to his old haunt, the execution chamber of Barlinnie Prison, before its demolition. This award winning documentary takes us on a dark journey into the world of capital punishment without making judgments.

Questionaire

What did you shoot and edit on?

Hanging with Frank was shot entirely on 16mm film. A labour intensive and rather expensive decision but one I’m pleased I took now. The 16mm Double X stock we used was the favoured choice for documentary filmmakers of the 60’s for its low-light shooting capabilities. It also added that archive feel I was looking for. Tests we did with video were poor in comparison. The main camera was a dying Arriflex BL from the local film workshop, supported by non-sync shots on an old Bolex. There was no transfer to video in the edit and the entire film was cut on a Steenbeck.

What do you think this film did in terms of helping your career?

I was working as a projectionist at an arts cinema in Glasgow when I made Hanging with Frank. I think seeing so many creative films really inspired me more than the film course I did a few years before! I never even thought about a career as a documentary filmmaker when I made it. It was a project I was passionate about and that was that. The responses to the film were great and the Scottish Film Archive even bought a copy for posterity. I forged a relationship with a local college because of the film and that led me into receiving much in-kind help for subsequent projects.

What’s been the best thing about having made the film?

I’m particularly proud of the fact that I captured not only the valued memories of an intriguing character but a space that no longer exists. The execution chamber was demolished as seen in the film and Frank McKue (the subject) sadly passed away a couple of years ago. When you realise you’ve made an important social and historical document it makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth it. The combination of great character in a great location doesn’t happen every day and I’m really happy I managed to bring the two together and capture the moment.

What are you doing now?

Worked on a documentary feature called The New Ten Commandments last year and I’ve just completed a film commissioned through a scheme run by the Scottish Documentary Institute. I’m really motivated at the moment and got a good response from the documentary pitch I made at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. I’ve recently been up in the north highlands of Scotland shooting some sequences for the interested broadcasters. It’s the story of an old-colonial type character living in a dilapidated caravan on a grouse moor about to head off on his last big-game hunt and relive his glory days.