Romcom 'Premature' sets Glasgow as itself

The indie romantic comedy 'Premature' arrives in cinemas next Friday. Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Kevin Walls, the film was shot across Glasgow on a budget described as a fraction of Hollywood blockbusters.

Writer-director Kevin Walls told reporters that the film's locations were chosen out of necessity as much as creative vision. "The locations were tricky because we didn't have any money," Walls said. "So we were begging, I'd usually go down and speak to people about what I was trying to do." The production filmed for around nine days in an east end flat, a setting Walls championed for its authenticity. "Why can't we set a romcom in a flat in the east end? It looks really beautiful on the big screen," he said.

A Glasgow shown in a warm light

The film consciously presents Glasgow as itself, not as a stand-in for another city. Star James Rottger highlighted this distinction. "It's brilliant big productions are coming here and using Glasgow as a double, but it's important we see Scotland on the big screen as itself," he said. Co-star Elle Watson agreed, noting the city is often portrayed as dark and gritty. "We are so used to Glasgow being this dark and gritty place, but that's not reflective of the city " Watson said. Landmarks like Kelvingrove Art Gallery feature, shown in what Rottger called "a warm light, literally and figuratively."

The story of Cameron and Eilidh

James Rottger and Elle Watson play Cameron and Eilidh, mismatched flatmates whose lives are upended after a drunken one-night stand leads to a pregnancy. Rottger described his character as careful and career-driven. "This whole film is about two people being chucked out of any sense of control they thought they had," the actor said. Watson's character Eilidh is an aspiring artist frustrated with her life's trajectory. Watson emphasized the film's scope, stating, "it's not only about Eilidh being pregnant, it's using that for her to discover who she is."

A passion project reaches the big screen

'Premature' is a passion project funded through determination and alternative means. Walls juggled jobs like lecturing and editing football highlights, with earnings funneled back into the film. A Kickstarter campaign secured the final funding needed for a cinema release. "Cinema-going is really important to me, and through sheer determination I was going to get this on a cinema screen," Walls explained. For Watson, making her feature film debut, the achievement feels significant. "It feels like a miracle for this film with a tiny budget and a hope and a prayer, to be on the big screen," she said.

The film marks a screen debut for Glasgow-native Elle Watson, who has previously worked in theatre. James Rottger's prior credits include roles in 'Gary: Tank Commander' and other romantic comedies like 'Irish Wish' with Lindsay Lohan. Both actors found personal connections to their roles; Rottger, a father of two, related to the loss of control, while Watson pointed to the omnipresent pressure on women regarding motherhood. Director Kevin Walls admitted to overcoming doubts during the process, pushing past thoughts that the project was a terrible idea. The film's release next Friday culminates that effort.