The upcoming short film, King of the Iron Will, has wrapped filming at Dundas Castle in South Queensferry.
Directed by Scott Vickers (Matriarch), the medieval drama stars Charlie Creed-Miles (Peaky Blinders; The Fifth Element) as King Draven, who rules from his remote stronghold (exterior photography took place at Dunnottar Castle last July). Producer/creator Liam James Collins co-stars as King Baron, the slighted Iron Will, who arrives at the castle to exact his revenge. The pursuit of justice, however, may be his undoing.
Collins said: “I had this image of a king sitting on a throne and his kingdom was crumbling. What happens when you achieve success through spite? I’m always very, very interested in that because I think, on some level, most of us have had an experience where someone hasn’t believed in you, or they’ve said you’re not going to amount to anything, planted a seed where you think “d’you know what? I’m gonna prove you wrong.” But then the question is what happens after that. Do you end up taking the place of the person who showed you that level of spite? It’s a strong driver, but in many respects, it’s a dangerous one as well.”
Regarding the location, Creed-Miles said that Scotland is well able to complement the film’s narrative.
He said: “It had that sort of tribal element, there were clans who fought over land. In that world you can become a king. But really, in terms of why Scotland?…just great castles!
“Dundas, this place, has been unbelievable. It’s got such historical context – you can feel it when you’re on set. Louise, who runs the castle, could just see the vision. She was really excited about the idea of this film taking place here. It was worth every penny, this place – exactly what we needed.”
King of the Iron Will is expected to premiere at film festivals later this year.
