The Producers

Andy Heathcote - Director

Andy is a British independent filmmaker specialising in documentary feature films. After taking a photography degree he trained as an assistant film editor for three years, working on commercials and corporate projects and in television news and current affairs. He has attended the Northern Film School and the Polish National Film School in Łódź. His previous titles include The Moo Man (2013), The Lost World of Mr Hardy (2008) and English Goodbye (2000).

Heike Bachelier - Director

Heike started her career as a live director for the television networks Tele 5 and WDR before becoming junior producer at the Colonia Media film production company. There she developed documentaries for WDR, ZDF and Arte. In 2007 she founded the film production company Trufflepig Films. In 2010 her feature documentary Feindberührung premiered at the Hof Film Festival.

Making The Film

Making the Film

We knew the ancient tradition of salmon net fishermen had become controversial. We did not know we were walking into a battle-zone. The fishermen were tough, hard working guys who we came to like and to respect. The activists were often fearless in their aim but also surprised us in their ruthless dedication. It opened up a new question; does the end justify the means? And so followed a summer filming along the rugged Scottish coastline, often in the 'cobles', the small open boats. But who'd have thought we'd need thermal underwear in the middle of July?

Andy and Heike's previous film The Moo Man was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and Best Documentary at the British Independent Film Awards.