Blazing Griffin Launches Theatrical Grading Suite in Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Glasgow-based post-production company Blazing Griffin has opened a new DCI-spec theatrical film grading suite equipped with 4K Christie projection.
• The suite is operated by Blazing Griffin’s in-house team: senior colourists Gareth Bishop and Tom Cairns; colourist Taryn Calverey; colourist and online editor Lewis Carmichael; and online editor Stephen Beavis.
• Last year, the team worked on projects including California Schemin’ (James McAvoy’s directorial debut), Glenrothan (Brian Cox’s directorial debut), Grow (directed by John McPhail), Sundance Film Festival selection Extra Geography (directed by Molly Manners), and Lady (Olive Nwosu’s directorial debut).
• The facility features a 4K Christie CP4420-Xe cinema projector, bespoke cinema screen, Baselight grading system, calibrated Genelec monitoring, and Q-SYS control.
• It supports DCP playback, final QC, and client sign-off, providing a complete theatrical review environment.
• Development was partly funded by grant and investment from Scottish Enterprise.
• Charlotte Walsh, head of post-production at Blazing Griffin, highlighted the suite’s role in elevating creative services in Scotland.
• Gareth Bishop, senior colourist, noted the team’s strength and the facility’s contribution to Blazing Griffin’s reputation.
• The launch aligns with Scotland’s expanding screen infrastructure, including the Screen Scotland Project Post Fund offering a 20% rebate on qualifying Scottish spend and up to £100,000 per project.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) May 12, 2026 – Blazing Griffin, the Glasgow-based post-production company, has launched a state-of-the-art theatrical film grading suite built to full DCI specifications.

What Has Blazing Griffin Opened in Glasgow?

The new facility marks a significant upgrade for Blazing Griffin’s post-production capabilities. It includes a 4K Christie CP4420-Xe cinema projector, a bespoke cinema screen, and a Baselight grading system. Beyond grading, the theatre supports DCP playback, final quality control (QC), and client sign-off, with calibrated Genelec monitoring and Q-SYS control ensuring audio matches the 4K projection quality.

The suite will be used by Blazing Griffin’s in-house picture finishing team, comprising senior colourists Gareth Bishop and Tom Cairns; colourist Taryn Calverey; colourist and online editor Lewis Carmichael; and online editor Stephen Beavis. Directors, cinematographers, and producers can now review their work in an environment replicating the big-screen experience, as stated by the company.

Who Are the Key Team Members Involved?

Blazing Griffin’s team brings extensive experience to the new suite. Gareth Bishop and Tom Cairns serve as senior colourists, while Taryn Calverey operates as colourist. Lewis Carmichael handles colour grading and online editing, and Stephen Beavis focuses on online editing. This dedicated group manages the facility’s operations.

Last year, the team delivered colour grading and other post-production services on several notable projects. These included California Schemin’, the directorial debut of James McAvoy; Glenrothan, Brian Cox’s directorial debut; Grow, directed by John McPhail; Sundance Film Festival selection Extra Geography, directed by Molly Manners; and Lady, Olive Nwosu’s directorial debut.

What Equipment Does the Suite Feature?

The grading suite adheres to full DCI specifications. Central to it is the 4K Christie CP4420-Xe cinema projector, paired with a bespoke cinema screen.

The Baselight grading system enables precise colour work. Additional features include calibrated Genelec monitoring for audio and Q-SYS control, creating a comprehensive theatrical review setup.

This configuration allows for accurate final checks, ensuring films meet cinema standards before release.

How Was the Development Funded?

The project received partial support through grant and investment funding from Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency.

This funding covered key build elements, enabling Blazing Griffin to meet cinema-standard technical demands. Scottish Enterprise aims to bolster Scotland’s screen infrastructure and post-production capabilities through such assistance.

What Do Blazing Griffin Leaders Say?

Charlotte Walsh, head of post-production at Blazing Griffin, said:

“Post-production carries the responsibility of bringing to life the vision and craft that has come before us on every project, and colour grading is a vital part of that journey. Investing in a theatrical grade suite was a natural next step for us, and to have elevated the creative service offering in Scotland for both our local and international clients is something we’re very proud of.”

Gareth Bishop, senior colourist at Blazing Griffin, adds:

“We’ve built a really exceptional team across both the creative and technical side. Our own dedicated theatrical grading suite is an exciting step for us and helps to grow Blazing Griffin’s reputation as a post-production destination. Having great coffee in the room doesn’t hurt either.”

Why Does This Launch Matter for Scotland’s Film Industry?

The opening aligns with broader efforts to expand Scotland’s screen infrastructure. Initiatives like the Screen Scotland Project Post Fund provide a 20% rebate on qualifying Scottish spend and up to £100,000 in grant funding per project. Blazing Griffin states that this facility, combined with such programmes, positions Scotland to retain post-production work and attract international projects.

The suite strengthens local capabilities, allowing high-end finishing to occur in Glasgow rather than elsewhere. It supports Blazing Griffin’s ambition to establish Scotland as a hub for world-class post-production.

What Recent Projects Highlight the Team’s Expertise?

The team’s work last year demonstrates its versatility. On California Schemin’, they handled colour grading and post-production for James McAvoy’s debut as director. Similarly, Glenrothan received their services for Brian Cox’s first directorial effort. Grow, under John McPhail’s direction, benefited from their finishing touch.

Sundance selections Extra Geography by Molly Manners and Lady by Olive Nwosu also underwent grading and post by the team. These credits span debuts, festivals, and varied genres, showcasing the suite’s potential for future assignments.

Background of the Development

Blazing Griffin, established in Glasgow, has grown as a post-production provider in Scotland’s screen sector. The company identified a gap in local theatrical-grade facilities, prompting investment in this DCI-compliant suite. Development involved collaboration with equipment suppliers like Christie for the 4K projector and FilmLight for Baselight.

Funding from Scottish Enterprise addressed technical build costs, aligning with national goals to enhance creative industries. Prior projects like those mentioned built the team’s reputation, making the suite a logical expansion. Scotland’s film ecosystem has seen growth through rebates and funds, creating demand for advanced local infrastructure. This facility responds directly to that, reducing reliance on distant post houses.

Predictions: Impact on Filmmakers and Producers

This development can enable filmmakers and producers to conduct precise, cinema-accurate reviews in Scotland, potentially lowering travel and logistics costs for local and international projects. Colourists and editors gain a dedicated space for high-spec work, which may speed up workflows and improve final outputs.