LENNY VS THE NEDS

"McDougal left over a hundred thousand pounds when he died," remarked McNab. "McDougal didn't leave that money," said McTavish, "he was taken from it."

This old stingy Scotsman joke reminded me of what's happening at the Glasgow Film Office ever since the neds - non executive delinquents - at Scottish Enterprise decided to cut their annual £80,000 handout for the GFO's Winter Working/New Directors scheme. But rather than keep stumm and be well behaved about it, the plucky GFO has responded with a refreshingly honest comeback, publicly accusing SE of financial mismanagement and telling the quango to 'overcome their institutional fear of creativity'. They also cheekily suggest SE should cancel their annual golf outing and reinstate the missing money.

Good for them. If only more agencies had their bottle, people like me would have no right to criticise the system. Over the years, Lenny Crooks, head of the GFO, has probably done more to champion local filmmaking than a dozen Scottish Screens. At least he backs genuine local talent, not just dodgy shell companies and rather than put producers through an inquisition for a measly few grand, he shows faith by delivering fast. No wonder Scottish Screen boss, Ken Hay wants to rein them in - Lenny and his crew have long been a thorn in the side of SS, by doing nothing more than getting it right.

And unlike other local film agencies, the GFO boasts a great website, taking pride in all the films they back, not just what the critics decide is flavour of the month. Whether or not you think Film City Glasgow is a dumb idea or not, at least it's better than the empty promises of various scammers who for years have talked about building a studio - or in Shir Shean's case - a golf course with a portakabin attached.

In the scheme of things - film especially - 80 grand is a pish amount of money, far less I reckon than what SE squanders on limos for their head honchos or part time board members' salaries. Shame on them. I wish GFO the very best of luck in getting it back - there's no better and deserving cause. Well, maybe apart from Glesga Ned http://www.glesganed.com/ - ropey but a good laugh.