50 Years of Film Bang – Celebrating Scotland’s Essential Guide to Film & TV in Style

Scotland’s longest running Film and TV directory, Film Bang, marks a significant milestone this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary at a special event co-hosted with BECTU Vision, in partnership with Screen Scotland.

Bringing together industry colleagues, partners and crew members past and present from across Scotland, the Golden Anniversary celebrations held at Bridge Gardens in Glasgow, marked five decades of Film Bang’s contributions to the screen sector.

Film Bang, and BECTU Vision, a skills hub providing short courses and professional development opportunities for Film and TV freelancers in Scotland, welcomed professionals from every corner of the industry, from emerging talent to long-standing and veteran crew members.

The evening was made especially memorable with the presence of some of Film Bang’s original members, who featured in the very first directory published in 1976. Creating a space to celebrate the past while looking to the future, Film Bang’s Golden Anniversary gathering marked a rare opportunity for generations of the screen sector to come together, reconnect and reflect.

(L-R): Mick Coulter, Mark Littlewood, Roland Kennedy, Robin Crichton, Jan Pester, Murray Grigor.

Ahead of the anniversary event, Film Bang unveiled its 2026 directory, with a commemorative cover adapted to pay homage to the original 1976 publication. The 50th Anniversary cover encompasses the style and spirit of the first edition, featuring the same bold colours and distinctive typography while showcasing how the directory has evolved alongside the iconic industry it serves.

Since its inception, Film Bang has been an essential resource for Scotland’s Film and TV industry, allowing productions teams to find and hire skilled crew and facilities, while providing freelancers with a trusted platform to connect with production companies, discover opportunities and build careers across the sector.

Film Bang’s 50-year history is underpinned by continuity in leadership and the passion and dedication of its managers. The directory is currently managed by Amy Hamilton, who took over the reins from her mother, Marianne Mellin. Marianne managed Film Bang from 1987 to 2021, guiding the publication through more than three decades of industry change and growth.

Amy Hamilton, Manager of Film Bang said:

“We are so proud to be celebrating 50 years of the Film Bang directory. It was a pleasure to co-host the event alongside BECTU Vision, who provide so many brilliant training and development opportunities for the industry.

“I am so grateful to everyone who attended our celebration. It was fantastic to see so many industry professionals past and present, catching up and making new connections too. Film Bang’s aim has always been to bring together the incredible talent, skills, services and training programmes that Scotland has to offer, to showcase them and make them easy for productions to find.  I look forward to supporting the industry in this way for many more years to come.”

Marianne Mellin, Manager of Film Bang (1987 – 2021) said:

“It has been so special to celebrate Film Bang’s 50th Anniversary.  It was a privilege to manage Film Bang for over 30 years and to see the directory grow and develop alongside the industry. I think everyone involved in the first 1976 edition can be very proud of how far both Film Bang and the industry have come over the past 50 years.”

Linda Fraser, Co-Manager of BECTU Vision said:

“We’re delighted to join Film Bang in marking their 50th anniversary this year. Film Bang has been at the heart of Scotland’s Film and TV industry for the last five decades, helping freelancers to connect, access opportunities and progress in their careers. It was wonderful to see so many learners, colleagues and friends at the celebration event and we look forward to continuing to work alongside Film Bang in developing a skilled and supported Film and TV workforce.”

BECTU Vision Co-Managers Amy Shaw and Linda Fraser, with Film Bang Managers Amy Hamilton, and Marianne Mellin.