BURIED
Dig up the past. If you can find it.
Based on a true story.
In a classic bonding exercise, city boy Alisdair and his estranged father Chris search the forest near their Scottish Highlands hometown for a fabled set of elk antlers.
Directors NOTE
"THIS FILM MAY OR MAY NOT BE BASED ON A TRUE STORY - THE THING IS, EVEN I'M NOT SURE"
BURIED is based on a true story as told to me by my father. But...If you were to meet him, you'd quickly understand that he likes telling stories. After hearing the same stories in such a variety of ways over the years, it becomes tricky to pinpoint the truth from the fiction. I developed a natural skepticism as he bobbed and weaved around wildly varying versions of the same story, week on month on year. But with this particular story, the story that stands out as the most preposterous, my father had one thing most of his other stories lacked: Evidence.
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I wanted the audience to experience the distrust and frustrating inconsistency that comes with having an unreliable narrator who also happens to be your father. Tyndrum itself has a case to answer too; as a boy I was told the tale of Robert the Bruce throwing his heavy claymore into a small loch half a mile from my home, to escape the English on horseback. The event is marked with a plaque that explains the story, and then has a wee disclaimer at the bottom that says the story could be true, and if it were, it probably took place at a different loch. The valley is filled with these kind of events. They could be true. And it's this headspace I've grown up with and carried into adulthood.
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The film is a love letter to my heritage. The countryside, the vastness of the landscape and the perpetual notion I have that I'll never know fully what's out there. Nor will anybody else. I don't really understand my dad a lot of the time in real life, this film is an effective method of catharsis for me, and maybe other people who have a gap between themselves and their parent.
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BURIED is a story about connection, the inherent trust we automatically carry for our parents through our lives and the fragility that trust holds as we grow older. This is the story I was dying to tell as my first 'fiction' piece. The one that no matter who I told it to, would screw their face up and say 'Really!?'. And I'd say 'Yes!' before muttering 'I'm almost certain it's true'. And now, dear reader, you are in on the uncertainty.
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- David MacCormack
Trailer
Cast
Simon Weir
Simon Weir began his acting career with the Dorothy Paul Acting Studio in 1986 before gaining an NC Drama & Theatre Skills at Motherwell College.
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His theatre work includes playing Sick Boy in Irvine Welsh’s PORNO at The Pleasance Edinburgh Fringe 2022, KIDNAPPED- UK Tour with Selladoor Theatre, LETTERS TO ABERLOUR - Scotland Tour with New Strides Theatre, SINGIN I’M NO A BILLY, HE’S A TIM - Scotland & Ireland Tours with Dapper Productions, CALIGARI and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE with The Arches Theatre Company, GLASGOW HARD TICKETS with The Gilded Balloon & Rubber Ear Productions.
Simon’s television work includes the series regular role of Paul Lafferty in HIGH ROAD, TAGGART, CASE HISTORIES and IN PLAIN SIGHT for STV, MONARCH OF THE GLEN, RIVER CITY, GLASGOW KISS, BLOOD OF THE CLANS, DOCTORS and GUILT for BBC, EMMERDALE and CRIME for ITV, PATRICK MELROSE for Sky Atlantic and OUTLANDER- BLOOD OF MY BLOOD for Starz/Sony.
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His Feature Film work includes THE ACID HOUSE, POSTMORTEM (USA Feature), THE FOOTBALL FACTORY, A SPANKING IN PARADISE, 90 MINUTES, WIGILIA, FAST ROMANCE and TRAINSPOTTING 2 as well as Bollywood epics 83, SARDAR UDHAM, CAPGRAS and BHAI BHAI. He has appeared in over 80 films to date and Awards include Best Actor for REMNANTS -North West Horror Film Festival (2022) and Best Acting Award for THE LAST BAR - 48 Hour Film Festival (2014) and The Scotsman Fringe First Award for GLASGOW HARD TICKETS (1995).
Stephen Kerr
Stephen Kerr is from Glasgow. His performance career started when he was 19 when he ran away and joined a circus in the USA where he toured on and off for several years. In 2015 he started training with the UK Screen Acting Academy. Since then he has starred in numerous feature and short films, plays, and docudrama's... Notably, 1815 (which is currently streaming on STV Player), Hex Studios - For We Are Many, The Devil's Machine and The Slave & The Sorcerer. He also worked on Marvel Studio's Secret Invasion as Ben Mendelssohn's acting double.
Sam McMeikan
Sam McMeikan is an actor from Dumfries but is based in Glasgow. He is represented by Vella Wozniak Talent.
He has performed at Edinburgh fringe 2022 in the play ‘Blue’ by Joe Ward Munrow as well as doing voice work for the 2023 Edinburgh fringe play ‘Happier Daze’ as Kyle.
Sam has performed in multiple touring educational theatre productions. He has also performed in the theatre production of ‘Dancing with the Devil’ by Paul Moore as John Johnson.
He is currently in rehearsals for the upcoming Edinburgh fringe production of “Well Played” written by Josie Rose Embleton and directed by Claire Wootton.
Adam Walker
Adam is an actor based in Alva whose previous work include the short films; Befriending My Anxiety (2024), The Pursuit of Independence (2023) and Getting to know your Vampire Body (2023).
He is also part of the Tron Theatre Young Company.
Campbell Murray
Campbell Murray is an actor based in Glasgow with a passion for filmmaking and the Creative Arts.
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He is currently studying film and media at Stirling University and has been working in collaboration with casting agents for just over 4 years now. He's been involved in modelling shoots, had various roles in adverts, and has had both supporting acting and speaking roles in large scale productions such as 'Good Omens' and 'Blood of my Blood'.
Campbell's passion for filmmaking extends as far back as his childhood.
Throughout high school he scripted, acted in, edited and produced a comedic sketch web series with his friends which ignited his love for the creative industries.
Crew
David MacCormack
Writer, Director
David MacCormack is a three time Royal Television Society winner. Originally from Tyndrum in the Scottish Highlands, he lives and works in Glasgow as an acclaimed producer/director.
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'Buried' is his debut fiction short, having produced both short form and feature length documentary work for BBC Scotland. His work on 'The Fort' and 'Fight at the Fort' resulted in two RTS awards while 'Rogue to Wrestler' led to another RTS win and a BAFTA Scotland nomination.
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A graduate of St.Andrews University, he has carved out a versatile TV career directing and producing on 'Robot Wars', 'Gladiators' and series directing the eight part doc series for BBC3 'Ballers:Ball or Nothing'​
davidmaccormack.com
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Olivia Clark is a passionate and dynamic producer whose journey into storytelling began with her studies in Commercial Music at university. While there, she created a mockumentary about karaoke for her Honours project, a pivotal experience that shifted her focus from music to the world of film and television.
Starting her career in Edinburgh producing TV commercials, Olivia quickly climbed the ranks, establishing a reputation for transforming bold ideas into high-quality productions across diverse formats.
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Her portfolio includes everything from live broadcasts and quiz shows to impactful appeal films, with credits on The Weakest Link, Children in Need, and Saturday Mash-Up! Known for her meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and collaborative approach, Olivia is now bringing her expertise to scripted filmmaking.
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Olivia Clark
Producer
Laura Dinnett
Director of Photography
Laura Dinnett is an emerging cinematographer with decades experience in the camera department. Her career highlights so far include being Shortlisted for Best Operating in a TV Drama.
Nominated for Buccaneers alongside Matt Fisher at the 2023 British Society of Cinematographers annual awards - only the 3rd woman EVER to be shortlisted!
Yellowbird WINNER 'Best Cinematography' at Cine Circle Women's Film Festival 2021.​ She was also selected for ASC Vision Mentorship 2020/21 & BSC Screenskills Mentorship 2020/21. ​
lauradinnett.com
Sean McGee is a Glasgow-based editor and colorist with a decade of experience in post-production. Recently, Sean has worked as both editor and colorist on BBC's The Wedding and as the colourist on the short films Fly Tipping and Hot Young Geek Seeks Blood Sucking Freak.
In non-scripted television, Sean served as the colorist for the Scottish BAFTA-winning Frankie Boyle's Farewell to the Monarchy and as the editor for the Scottish BAFTA-nominated Icons of Football.
Sean McGee
Editor
Kevin Dallas
Sound Design
​Kevin Dallas is Notable recent projects include Bro's in Control, David & Jay's Travelling Toolshed, Island Crossings and The Agency:Unfiltered
Working remotely from my home studio I provide audio post production including mixing, sound design and editing.
With 20 years experience in the film and TV industry from award-winning theatrical documentaries to BAFTA winning children’s programming and everything in between. Sound is an integral part of your project and your sound is my priority.
I'm also an Avid Certified Support Representative for ProTools, prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform installations, upgrades, diagnostics, troubleshooting and support to ProTools systems.
dallasdubbing.co.uk
Steven is a lighting cameraman based out of Scotland who travels extensively for work. Mainly working on documentary and factual entertainment but equally as happy on corporate or commercial sets.
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Having worked in extreme enviroments from the heat of the deserts, the top of mountains and the extreme colds (-35ºC) Steven has shown that he can deliver sequences in the most demanding of conditions.
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A cameraman who is conscience of creating an environment in which contributors and presenters feel safe and secure, giving you the best interviews and performances.
stevendonnelly.co.uk
Steven Donnelly
2nd Unit Director of Photography
CALLAN MARCHETTI
Composer
Faodail is the artistic moniker of electronic music producer Callan Marchetti hailing from Scotland. His music is characterised by its ethereal and emotive qualities, often drawing listeners into immersive sonic landscapes.
After self-releasing a string of singles, which received support from outlets such as BBC Radio 6, Nest HQ, MrSuicidesheep and reached no.1 on Hype Machine, Faodail released his 2021 EP Madainn.on Enhanced Music. This sonic diary showcased his artistry in calling upon memories and emotions to deliver an invigorating body of work and was a breakthrough moment, receiving support from a numerous outlets and placements across streaming services.
He has since gone on to provide remixes for some of the rising stars in electronic music, including Rohne, Klur and Edapollo.
monstercat.com/artist/faodail
Buried
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Special Thanks
Progressive Broadcast Hire, Jane Macfarlane, Davy Burton and Cononish Farm, Doug King, Ryan Meloy, Richard Doyle, Michael Hines, Martin Mackenzie, Paige and Amelia, All my NFTS Crew, Peter Ansorge, Davina MacIntyre, LJ Chalmers, Gary Lamont, Nick Watkins and El Perro Negro, Sam Neave, Everything Media, Val Mellon, Gillian Simpson, Graham Chalmers and Radisson Red Glasgow, BBC The Street Post
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Filmed on location in Tyndrum
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A Tin Drum production
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Written and Directed
Producer
Director of Photography
2nd Unit Director of Photography​
Editor​
Sound Design
Original Score
First Assistant Director
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Chris
Alisdair
Young Chris
Young Billy
Young Malcolm
Young Grant
Hikers
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​Script Supervisor
Focus Puller
Steadicam Operator
Sound Recordist
Art Director
Camera Assistant
Camera Trainee​​
Production Runner​
Drone Operator
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Assembly Editor
Colourist
Stills Photographer
Excavation Team​
Vehicles Supplied by​
Poster Concept
Poster Artwork​
DAVID MACCORMACK
OLIVIA CLARK
LAURA DINNETT
STEVEN DONNELLY​
SEAN MCGEE​
KEVIN DALLAS
CALLAN MARCHETTI​
HEATHER MITCHELL​
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SIMON WEIR
STEPHEN KERR
SAM MCMEIKAN​
ADAM WALKER
CAMPBELL MURRAY
LOGAN ORR
CHRIS MACCORMACK, JUDY MCGUIRE
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SOPHIE O'SHEA
SCOTT MCINTYRE
DUNCAN LORTHIOR
DAVID MCKEITCH
STRUAN KANE
MADDY ANDERSON
TOM DWYER
CHRIS KELLY
DAVID VANCE
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CONOR MEECHIN
ANDREW MITCHELL
NAOMI VANCE
DREW FERGUSON, PAUL MCGINNISS
FILM VEHICLES SCOTLAND
VANCE STUDIOS
​RICHARD DOYLE
