From Book to Screen: The Making of “The Outrun”
Based on insights from the 2025 Berlinale EFM Industry Session panel discussion
A Memoir’s Journey to Film
“The Outrun,” based on Amy Liptrot’s acclaimed memoir, represents a triumph in adapting personal narrative to screen. Starring Saoirse Ronan and directed by Nora Fingscheidt, the film follows Rona, a woman battling alcoholism who returns to her native Orkney Islands in Scotland to heal and reconnect with herself.
The journey from page to screen began when Sarah Brocklehurst optioned the book, but the project gained significant momentum when Saoirse Ronan herself approached the producers expressing interest in the role. Jack Lowden, Ronan’s husband and one of the film’s producers, reportedly suggested the role to her—a fortuitous connection that helped drive the project forward.
Development: A Unique Approach
According to producer Jonas Weydemann of Weydemann Bros. in Germany, the film took an unconventional path in development. Director Nora Fingscheidt collaborated closely with Amy Liptrot, who was deeply involved in both the scriptwriting and editing processes. This collaboration allowed the film to maintain the authentic voice of Liptrot’s personal journey while adapting it for a visual medium.
George Hamilton, Chief Commercial Officer at Protagonist Pictures, explained that Fingscheidt created what they termed a “scriptment”—a hybrid between a script and a treatment. At approximately 30 pages, this document vividly portrayed the story and characters while allowing flexibility in the production approach.
“It was about 30 pages long, very vivid… it takes you through the story, you get the sense of the main characters, but it’s definitely not [a traditional script],” Hamilton noted during the panel discussion.
Financing: The UK-German Connection
“The Outrun” represents a successful UK-German co-production, demonstrating the potential of international partnerships in independent filmmaking. The financing structure included support from:
- BBC Film
- Screen Scotland
- UK tax rebate (14.5%)
- German co-production contribution (10.5%)
- International pre-sales
- Private equity investment
Hamilton emphasised the challenge of securing the final equity piece—approximately $1-1.2 million—which came together just days before filming began. “It’s the first time I’ve taken a cab across New York three different ways to speak to three equity [investors] in the morning for a movie that’s shooting in a week,” Hamilton recounted.
Production Challenges: Embracing the Orkney Elements
The decision to film on location in the Orkney Islands brought both authenticity and significant production challenges. Weydemann explained that staying true to the memoir’s setting was non-negotiable despite the logistical difficulties.
“The Orkneys are where [the story takes place]… never questioned, at least not by [Fingscheidt],” Weydemann explained. The extreme wind conditions that characterise the islands presented particular obstacles for filming but ultimately contributed to the film’s visual power and atmosphere.
The production team returned to the islands multiple times throughout the year to capture different seasons, with specialised filming requirements, including bringing seven or eight lambs to the location for specific scenes. The community support on the islands proved invaluable, with locals embracing the production.
Festival Success and Distribution
“The Outrun” premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival before screening in the Panorama section at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. This festival strategy served as a launching pad for both critical acclaim and distribution deals.
StudioCanal distributed the film in the UK, where it achieved remarkable box office success for an independent film, surpassing £2 million—a significant milestone for art house cinema. The film performed equally well in Germany, where it was released in December 2024.
Sony Pictures Classics acquired the North American rights, ensuring the film would receive proper theatrical distribution in the United States. This combination of international sales and strong festival presence established “The Outrun” as both a critical and commercial success.
Legacy and Recognition
The film has received numerous accolades, including BAFTA nominations for Best Actress and Outstanding British Film. With its box office success and critical recognition, “The Outrun” demonstrates how literary adaptation, when handled with care and authenticity, can result in powerful, emotionally resonant cinema that connects with audiences worldwide.
As Jonas Weydemann emphasized during the panel, UK-German co-productions offer substantial benefits for all parties involved, from production advantages to distribution support, suggesting this model may become increasingly important for independent filmmaking in Europe.
This article is based on the panel discussion at the 2025 European Film Market, featuring producers and executives from both “The Outrun” and “Hot Milk” discussing their journeys from book to screen.
Editor in Chief of Ikon London Magazine, journalist, film producer and founder of The DAFTA Film Awards (The DAFTAs).
