Inspired by Perthshire, Scotland: BRAVE

Date: (03/08/2012)

Image: Disney•Pixar

Inspired by ancient Scotland, Disney•Pixar's latest film 'Brave' follows the heroic journey of young Princess Merida as she fights for the right to decide her own future. The film had its European premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman and co-directed by Steve Purcell, the characters are voiced by a fantastic ensemble of Scottish and British talent, including Kelly Macdonald as Merida, Billy Connolly as her father King Fergus, Emma Thompson as Queen Elinor, and Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters in a host of highly entertaining supporting roles.

A team of reference artists visited Scotland - including Fife and Tayside - in order to collect source material for the film, and the beauty and magnificence of the country's mountains, forests, glens and castles is reflected in the stunning animation. VisitScotland, Scotland's national tourism organisation, have teamed up with Disney•Pixar with a £7m campaign in order to maximize on the potential tourism benefits of the film. It is now estimated that 25% of visitors to Scotland are motivated to do so after seeing a location on film or television, and we look forward to welcoming many new visitors who are inspired to come to Scotland because of the film.

Several organisations are hosting events to celebrate the film’s Scottish roots, including Perthshire’s Big Tree Country who are inviting visitors to explore the locations and the myths and legends that provided inspiration for the film, such as Castle Menzies, Ossian’s Stone and the Ancient Wood of Caledon. Visit the Big Tree Country website for more information.

VisitScotland have also created a specially dedicated website for ‘Brave’, which features competitions, information and travel itineraries for trips around Scotland enabling visitors to fully immerse themselves in the ‘Brave’ experience – including some of the fantastic locations, castles and outdoor activity centres in Fife and Tayside!

‘Brave’ is released in cinemas nationwide on Friday 3^rd August. Several local cinemas in the Fife and Tayside area are screening the film and hosting special events to celebrate the release:

Angus and Dundee:
Dundee Contemporary Arts are screening 'Brave' in 2D and 3D from Friday 3rd to Thursday 16th August, and are hosting a Discovery Family Film Club: Brave Workshop on Saturday 11th August at 12pm.

Fife:
New Picture House in St Andrews are screening 'Brave' in 3D from Friday 3rd August.

The Regent - Leven Community Cinema are screening 'Brave' from Friday 3rd to Thursday 16th August, and are hosting a 'Scottish Opening Night' on Friday 3rd August before the 7.30pm screening. More information at their Facebook page.

Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy is screening 'Brave' from Friday 3rd August.

Perth:
Playhouse in Perth is screening 'Brave' from Friday 3rd August

Visit the official Disney-Pixar ‘Brave’ website for competitions, games and behind the scenes info: http://www.disney.co.uk/brave/

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