Celebrating Moray:
A Creative Collaboration
The Moray Chamber of Commerce (MCC) approached the Future Skills team at the Glasgow School of Art’s Highlands and Islands campus to explore avenues for collaboration. With the MCC approaching both the 20th anniversary of their annual business dinner and the organisation’s 25th year in operation, the potential to commemorate these milestones through a creative partnership began to take shape.
Guided by the insight and leadership of Ruth Cochrane, the proposal emerged to harness the power of storytelling through two short films, designed to capture the Chamber’s storied past while articulating its ambitions for the future. This approach underscored the value of engaging with the GSA as more than a creative collaborator, it positioned us as a strategic partner in shaping narrative and experience.
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In this project, the GSA’s role extended beyond traditional collaboration. From concept to delivery, we directed the project’s trajectory, sourced the appropriate talent, and ensured that the final outputs resonated with the Chamber’s values while reflecting the GSA’s rigorous standards of excellence. In doing so, the partnership demonstrated how the GSA can transform commemoration into a compelling, culturally resonant experience.
Through our Future Skills team, freelance filmmaker Perry Jonsson was brought on board to direct and produce the films. Supported throughout the process by the GSA, Perry worked closely with the Chamber to craft two emotive, visually compelling narratives. When the project’s direction shifted midway through development, Perry pitched a bold new concept: a cinema-quality film using 3D modelling, a discipline he was personally upskilling in at the time.​
“The reflections pitch was a gamble, but they loved it!” – Perry Jonsson, Filmmaker​
This kind of creative risk-taking is made possible through the GSA’s model of collaboration. By tapping into their network of in-house specialists and trusted freelance practitioners, clients gain access to a depth of expertise rarely found in conventional corporate partnerships.​ The final result? A film that defied expectations of what a "corporate" production should be—blending storytelling, innovation, and craft to capture the essence of MCC: its people, its place, and its future.
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The final result? A film that defied expectations of what a "corporate" production should be. By blending storytelling, innovation, and craft to capture the essence of MCC: its people, its place, and its future.
“This project has been really creatively fulfilling because it is so rare to find a project within the corporate world where you can flex your creative muscles and feel like you’re never taking a step in the wrong direction. I think most people rarely ever think of a chamber of commerce, especially as an organisation that has heart, but I hope I’ve been able to showcase that the Moray Chamber of Commerce has just that.”
– Perry Jonsson (filmmaker)
Throughout the production, Dani St. Onge (GSA) provided ongoing support, from coordinating external contributors and managing licensing approvals to keeping every element of the production on track. This hands-on executive production role exemplifies how we go beyond "connecting the dots", we remain the constant thread of support from start to finish.​​
“Collaborating with Glasgow School of Art on such a milestone moment for us was truly special. The ideas, innovation and professionalism have been first class and not only am I over the moon with the results, but I have also thoroughly enjoyed the process.”
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– Sarah Medcraf (Moray chamber of commerce)
Working with The Glasgow School of Art means gaining more than just access to creative services, it’s an invitation into a collaborative ecosystem where bold ideas are nurtured, creative risks are supported, and every project benefits from a wealth of artistic and professional expertise.
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We’re proud to have helped bring these powerful stories to life. We invite you to watch the final films below. Fair warning - keep a tissue handy, they’re heartfelt.