Bad Pony Productions
Part of the Bad Pony Media Group, Bad Pony Productions, is an independent UK television and film production company, specialising in contemporary, original drama programming and content. It was established in 2006 by Frank McGowan and Michelle Martin, founding members of Scottish rock band Stutter bunny (previously named Eric and the Bunny Boilers).
Company history
Bad Pony’s first major production, a crime drama series pilot for television Ninety Eight Percent was produced in the summer months of 2007 as a no-budget showcase of a potential series to come. The pilot was screened to an industry and press only audience at Glasgow’s prestigious Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT). The pilot was also test screened at venues across the UK including Walkabout in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The full series is now currently in pre-production, following the success of the pilot. The gay/lesbian themed series “follows the lives of the Spencer family and their rivals”. The lead role of “Casey” is played by Emma Ashby. The series also stars Hannah Tiffin, Jordan McCurrach, Kevin Jamieson, and Alex McPhail.
In 2006, Bad Pony Productions produced a short film for The Horror Channel (now Zone Horror) called “Cheat”. The short starred many of the production team, who were subsequently murdered by a strange giant rabbit. The rabbit was played by producer/director McGowan’s older brother – with the Stutter bunny band t-shirt making an appearance in the final moments before the credits worn by Faith Carey.
Following the success of their first short film, the ''Bad Pony' team', went on to produce several other short films, including the Bafta nominated short “Looking After Mum” which starred new faces Claire Ashley McGarvie, David Alexander Rose, and Maureen Somerville. The film was a co-production with London based Maximus Pictures and aired on BBC Scotland. Bad Pony Productions also provided live coverage of the gay and lesbian Pride Glasgow event in George Square, Glasgow on August 30th 2008. Bad Pony also conducted a television and film master class as part of the programme of events for the G66 Community Festival in 2008.
Bad Pony Productions were recently recognised as ones to watch in 2009 after scooping the top prize in the Business Gateway Glasgow Dragon's Den pitching competition. Managing director Mr McGowan, said: “While the cash prize will be really handy, the business support and mentoring that we’ve secured is extremely valuable.“
Bad Pony Productions while providing live event and corporate video services are set to launch their own independent broadcast platform to showcase their own work, and the work of rising new film-makers in Scotland.