SDI is an internationally recognised documentary research centre at Edinburgh College of Art* specialised in documentary training, production and distribution. It was set up in 2004.
Our aim is to stimulate and inspire the documentary scene in Scotland and beyond through focus on creative excellence and clear international outlook. We also aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Our films have played at major film festivals, such as Sundance, Cannes, Hotdocs, Tribeca, Full Frame, Silverdocs, IDFA, Cinéma du Reel, Vision du Réel, Leipzig and have picked up major awards and nominations.
In 2007 we set up SDI Productions Ltd, in order to develop a slate of feature documentaries with some of our Bridging the Gap alumni, and enable ambitious co-productions such as “The New Ten Commandments”, “Future My Love” (forthcoming) and “Breathing” (in post-production).
*Edinburgh College of Art, now integrated with University of Edinburgh, is partner with Edinburgh Napier University in Screen Academy Scotland
STAFF
Noe Mendelle – Director
Experienced producer and executive producer on the international scene, Noe is also a documentary filmmaker currently developing new projects. She is research professor at the Edinburgh College of Art and founder of SDI.
Sonja Henrici – Head of Development
Sonja is a writer/producer who works across all SDI training and productions, and finds new opportunities for SDI. She’s co-director of SDI Productions and Interdoc, and exec-produces Bridging the Gap. She’s in development with a number new international projects and producer of two feature documentaries.
Amy Hardie – Head of Research
A documentary filmmaker/producer with several international awards, Amy completed the acclaimed documentary The Edge of Dreaming in 2010. She is co-founder of SDI and often makes films in collaboration with scientists.
Finlay Pretsell – Distribution & Production Manager
Finlay is in charge of the distribution and production of all SDI films. He also directs/produces his own award-winning projects (Standing Start, Ma Bar, Cutting Loose) as well as producing some of the Bridging the Gap short documentaries. He’s currently developing a feature documentary.
Flore Cosquer – Project Manager
With years of experience working as production manager in France, Flore joined SDI in 2010 and co-ordinates SDI initiatives, including Interdoc and The Edinburgh Pitch. Flore is also involved in the production of Bridging the Gap, producing Nightshift (2011).
Ben Kempas – PMD (Producer of Marketing and Distribution)
Ben joined us in 2011, after many years working as freelance filmmaker and as co-host of the D-Word, one of the first online communities for documentary professionals. He looks after the Virtuous Circle project, testing and implementing audience engagement strategies for our feature documentaries.
Emma Davie – Consultant
Emma is a documentary filmmaker and head of the Film & TV department at the Edinburgh College of Art. She is co-director of a feature documentary Breathing, produced by SDI Productions.
We also regularly work with a number of freelancers and are always happy to hear from you. You can catch all of us at info(at)scottishdocinstitute.com
Major FUNDER:
We are grateful for the ongoing support of Creative Scotland.
Postal Address:
Scottish Documentary Institute
eca | 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9DF, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 131 651 5874
