Makeover for Bannockburn battle movie

A film depicting the dramatic events of one of Scotland’s most important historic battles is being updated for the 21st Century.

A film depicting the dramatic events of one of Scotland’s most important historic battles is being updated for the 21st Century.

The National Trust for Scotland is creating a brand new high-definition film of the events of the Battle of Bannockburn to display at its heritage centre in Stirling, which commemorates the 1314 battle, where Robert the Bruce’s army defeated King Edward II’s men.

The film that is currently shown at the conservation charity’s Bannockburn Heritage Centre was made in the 1980s and will be replaced by the brand new version.

Shooting for many of the live action scenes for the film took place this weekend (25 and 26 October), at Dalmahoy Country Estate in West Lothian.

Around 120 battle re-enactors and extras helped recreate the drama and tragedy of the historic battle, with carefully choreographed scenes that depict the brutality of the medieval battle involving horses and authentic weaponry too.

Computer generated imagery will also be used to help create a realistic view of the battle for visitors. Expert historians have been advising on the project too – Dr Fiona Watson and Bob Woosnam-Savage.

The 10 minute film is expected to make its debut at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre in spring 2009.

Colin MacConnachie, the Trust’s Head of Learning Services said:

“The Battle of Bannockburn is central to Scotland’s story and we want to bring that critical event in this country’s history to life, to enhance the visitor experience for the thousands of visitors and school pupils who come to our Bannockburn Heritage Centre every year.

“Recent technological advances mean that the potential to provide a truly awe-inspiring educational film is now a real possibility. Through our experiences with the very thought-provoking affecting film at Culloden, we now have a better understanding of what can be achieved and just how much it adds to the visitors experience and understanding of these significant historical events.

“The new film will give visitors an insight into the historical context of the battle, as well as a taste of what it may have been like on the battlefield almost 700 years ago.”

The film is being produced by NoblesGate, who also made the acclaimed 360o immersive film that is a key part of the visitor experience at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre.

Film Director Craig Collinson, explained his vision for the project. He said:

“As a Scottish filmmaker, getting to visually interpret the Battle of Bannockburn on this scale is a rare privilege. Scottish audiences hardly ever get to experience an event like this on the big screen, but when they do it can really stir their imaginations.

“My aim is to capture not only some of the sheer drama of how the battle unfolded - the incredibly intimidating site of Edward's vast army, the jaw dropping duel that took place between Bruce and one of the English knights and the awesome site of the Scottish spearman advancing - but also the awful hand to hand brutality and to remind the 21st Century visitor to the National Trust for Scotland site that thousands lost their lives in the most unimaginably horrific way.

“Ultimately though this is about inspiring a younger generation of Scots, who just might, through seeing the battle visualised on this scale, be stimulated enough to take more of an interest in their country's amazing history.”