Screen Rising Stars!

Compact has stormed the Screen Rising Stars this year with the announcement at EIFF 2026 of awards for company co-founder producer Laura McBride, and screenwriter talents Rachelle Atalla and James Ley, whose feature projects THE PHARMACIST and LOVESONG TO LAVENDER MENACE are preparing for finance following development at the Scottish indie.

Producer of award-winning shorts including THE SINGER and SLEAZY TIGER, and associate on Lionsgate / Teashop feature TORNADO, Laura McBride says “I’m delighted to be recognised by Screen alongside two of our leading screenwriters – it’s a great year for Compact, with our second feature film now wrapped and exciting new projects headed for the market.”

Screen unveils 2026 Rising Stars Scotland lineupscreendaily.com

PHOTO CREDIT: Rob McDougall / Screen International