Sigma Films aims to produce independent and internationally appealing films and believes in the importance of creating a sustainable film industry in Scotland.
Established in 1996, Sigma Films is a leading Scottish film company driven by its principal Gillian Berrie. Gillian formed the company with director David Mackenzie and actor Alastair Mackenzie.
Sigma focuses on identifying, nurturing and developing creative talent in order to produce work of the highest artistic value.
Initially energies were concentrated on the production of short films, Gillian Berrie and David Mackenzie collaborated on several award winning productions, including 'California Sunshine' and 'Somersault'. In 2001 Sigma produced David Mackenzie's debut feature film 'Last Great Wilderness' and went on to develop and associate produce David's second feature 'Young Adam'.
Sigma has a diverse slate of feature film projects in development including a novel adaptation as well as original material from emerging UK writing talent. Directors attached to this slate include David Mackenzie, Brian Kelly and Kenny Glennan.
Sigma Films has a close alliance with Zentropa, acting as UK co-producer on their feature films. Most recently Sigma has co-produced 'Wilbur (Wants To Kill Himself)', 'Brothers' and 'Manderlay'. Further collaborations will include new projects by acclaimed directors Lone Scherfig, Susanne Bier and Lars von Trier.
Sigma and Zentropa are currently working on a new low budget three feature film concept, 'Advance Party'. The project was initiated by Lars von Trier along with Gillian Berrie and Sisse Graum Jorgensen. 'Advance Party' has been specifically designed to encourage collaboration and will be director led. Lone Scherfig and Anders Thomas Jensen have created characters which will appear in all three films played by the same actors. Each film will be shot in Scotland and will be directed by feature film debutants Andrea Arnold (who recently won the Oscar for her short film 'Wasp'), BAFTA winner Morag Mckinnon and Danish director Mikkel Norgaard.
As well as working with Zentropa, Sigma Films has alliances with London based Scorpio Films, recently co-producing their feature film 'Dear Frankie', and Irish company Subotica Entertainment. Sigma co-produced Subotica's feature 'Song For A Raggy Boy' directed by Aisling Walsh.