In 2023 due to corrosion and constant use Scotland’s iconic mobile cinema ground to a halt. Screen Machine had served 44 communities across the Highlands and Islands since 1998, bringing new release films to the remotest of communities. While Regional Screen Scotland, operators of Screen Machine began the monumental task of raising £1.5m for a replacement cinema they were able to temporarily lease a French demonstrator model. Cinemobile was a lifesaver but it had its limitations, particularly in being able to get on and off small ferries, meaning islands such as Jura were left without their beloved Screen Machine service.
When Firststage Studios heard about this they stepped in to solve the problem by funding engineering work on the Cinemobile chassis. By late 2024 the Screen Machine service was back in Gigha, Eigg and Millport with other previously inaccessible islands scheduled for early 2025.
By the summer of 2025 Regional Screen Scotland had raised most of the money needed for a new Screen Machine. FirstStage Studios helped us to raise the rest by hosting a glittering event in one of the huge studio spaces in Leith. Cinemobile looked suitably cinematic set up in the dramatic industrial space. With refreshments served outside the cinema and speeches and short films presented inside, it was a unique and exciting evening. Most importantly we raised the final amount necessary to complete the project. The new Screen Machine will be delivered in July 2026 and operational later in the summer. A twenty-eight-year long success story continues.
FirstStage Studio’s support has been game changing. Thanks to funding and the use of an amazing venue we were able to maintain a full service and raise the money we needed to complete the build of the new Screen Machine. As a small charity we are incredibly grateful for Bob and Sophie’s support over the last two years.
