The Sean Connery Foundation has awarded grants to four grants worth £1million in total to help young people in Scotland develop the skills to break into the film and TV industry.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation and the family on a visit to Scotland, the late 007 star's actor son Jason Connery said they hoped to "help dreams come true" for talented young Scottish actors.
Jason, 60, was joined by his wife Fiona, as well as Sir Sean's step-son Stephane Connery and his wife Tania along with their son Dashiell – who has also followed in his grandfather's footsteps to star in Hollywood movies.
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The four new grantees are Glasgow Media Arts Centre (GMAC), Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), Station House Media Unit (SHMU), Aberdeen and The Portal Arts, Glasgow report the Scottish Daily Express.
Jason said: "Before he was a globally recognised movie star, my dad was a lad from Fountainbridge, and he never once forgot that whilst talent might be distributed equally, opportunity is not.
"By supporting access for passionate young people to the screen sector, no matter what their circumstances, we'd like to help dreams come true.
"We hope that young people with an appetite for visual storytelling and a curiosity about the many behind-the-scenes jobs that make movies possible, will reach out to our grantees and get involved."
Stephane added: "The screen sector has enjoyed strong growth in recent years as more global productions choose to shoot their film and TV projects in Scotland, providing good jobs for industry-ready young people.
"Our screen-education grantees offer a wide variety of programs that introduce participants to the possibility of a career in screen production, often for the first time, and provide a clear path into an exciting industry that is too often considered out-of-reach."
Each of the four grantees delivers a hands-on introduction to film-making that spans the entire creative process, from writing, producing, and acting, to sound, lighting, set design, costumes, and editing.
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Originally founded as Pilton Video in 1981, SEE specialises in developing people from areas of deprivation, from rural areas and low-income backgrounds, those living with a disability, and those from diverse backgrounds.
Graham Fitzpatrick, Principal Officer for SEE, said: "The vision of The Sean Connery Foundation, inspired by the legacy of Edinburgh-born and bred Sir Sean Connery, resonates deeply with our organisation's mission.
"By supporting local talent and inspiring young people in the city where he grew up, the Foundation is truly connecting with Sir Sean Connery's roots.
"We are honoured to be representing Edinburgh in the Foundation's funding portfolio and be part of the Foundation's efforts to make a positive impact in Scotland's cultural and educational priorities.
"We look forward to making a meaningful impact in the lives of aspiring young filmmakers and creating a more inclusive and accessible film industry in Edinburgh and beyond."
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