Pioneer in Scottish film industry, Paddy Higson, becomes first Patron of GMAC Film.

GMAC Film announces the OBE-awarded and BAFTA-winning Paddy Higson as its first Patron. 

Paddy Higson has been a noteworthy name in the film and television industry since the 1970s – producing, line-producing and exec producing drama, including Gregory’s Girl (1980), Taggart (1990), and The Magdalene Sisters (2000).  

Paddy was made an Honorary Doctor of Drama by the RSAMD (now Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) in 2007, was awarded a BAFTA for her Outstanding Contribution to the Industry by BAFTA Scotland in 2018, and just this month has been awarded an OBE for services to the film and TV industry and to diversity and inclusion in film and TV, in the 2022 New Year’s Honours.  

Paddy said, “I am, and always have been, passionate about encouraging people from all backgrounds to gain access into the screen sector, which has the reputation of being predominantly white, middle-class and male. As the first Patron of GMAC Film, I will be able to continue enabling talent and championing the organisation, which is so close to my heart.” 

Paddy served as Chair of Scottish Screen Training, was on the Boards of 7:84 Theatre, the Scottish Film Council, the Scottish Film Production Fund, Scottish Screen and GMAC Film, before leading GMAC Film as its CEO for three years. She has always strived towards fostering a diverse and accessible screen sector, now in the twilight years of her career Paddy continues to call for government and industry support to make this a reality.  

“Marian Wright Edelman once said, ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ – if Scotland wants to lead by example with a truly diverse film and TV sector, it needs to cherish, and crucially, fund organisations like GMAC Film to empower marginalised talent on and off screen.” – Paddy Higson.