Promoting THE PROCLAIMERS

Grouse Beater is an essayist, filmmaker and troublemaker

by Grouse Beater©

When the Proclaimers manager telephoned to ask if I’d produce their first promotional video I refused. “I don’t do pop videos,” I said, unaware no one sustains a film career in Scotland.

Back in the day, pop videos were made by frustrated drama directors, art school photography graduates unable to sustain a steady camera shot long enough to convey human emotion. For my part, I felt master of my own destiny. I had a six-part international drama series under my belt, a major political thriller, two documentaries, screenplays in development, and a tourist board documentary about Carrickfergus Castle. Life seemed set on its course. Who needed pop videos?

The visit

A few days later a jovial, slightly unkempt, Kai Davidson arrived at my office door unannounced. In a pleasant Inverness accent, wheezing a lot and coughing, he introduced himself as the Proclaimer’s manager and placed a demo-tape on my desk.

“Please listen to it. Please.

I think they’re great.”

“Well you would, you’re their manager.”

“No, seriously, they’re unique, eccentric but genuine,” he added, pleading.

We chatted awhile, Kai enthusing about his discoveries. I agreed to listen to the demo-tape, shook his hand, and went back to the day’s priorities.

A week later I listened to the tape. The impact was immediate. The sound that came out the stereo speakers was untutored, raw, and authentic.