Meet Mavis
Watch our Kickstarter launch video and meet the team.
FIRES IN THE HEATHER
A short film serving as a gateway to a full-length feature celebrating Mavis’s cycling story.
Against the stunning canvas of the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh's historic streets, 'Fires in the Heather' tells the extraordinary story of Mavis, an 80-year-old cyclist who refuses to let age define her limits.
From Writer David Mills
Inspired by real-life Scottish hero Mavis Paterson, our film follows this remarkable woman as she pedals toward a royal ceremony at Edinburgh Castle – not dressed in typical cycling gear, but in an elegant pink evening gown and her trusty (if slightly crooked) white helmet.
‘Fires in the Heather’ concludes with breathtaking imagery as a mystical guardian spirit watches over Mavis from the Highland hills – a visual poem about the unseen forces that protect and inspire us.
Production Team
PRODUCER
Susan Rutledge
Susan is a communications and fundraising leader with 30+ years in Toronto’s arts and cultural sectors, combining expert writing and editing with strategic fundraising, sponsorship renewal, stewardship, co-branding and marketing-driven relationship management. She bridges diverse fields to amplify artists’ work and now channels her cross-sector expertise into film — and recharges by cycling around the city.
PRODUCER
Misti Marshall
Production specialist and content producer with 15+ years’ experience (15 in LA, now in London) across film, TV, digital and branded content—skilled as a UPM and producer of short-form video, social campaigns and live activations for clients including Marvel, Legendary, Focus Features, Nerdist, Critical Role, Wizards of the Coast and SModCo. Hands-on, adaptable and collaborative, skilled at production management, storytelling and entertainment marketing that connects with Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
DIRECTOR
Ryan Patrick Kelley
Ryan Patrick Kelley is an award-winning filmmaker from suburban Southern California whose VHS-born love of 1980s–90s popcorn cinema drove him to make homemade films; he’s worked across music videos, large social campaigns and narrative indies, performed in theater and stand-up, and draws on travel, food and character-driven storytelling to fuel his award-winning shorts.
DOP
Ian Dooley
Ian Dooley is a Los Angeles–based Director of Photography and Local 600 Digital Utility member with two years on union TV shows. Previously a DoP for an Orlando ad agency, he crafted commercials and promos and has won the Jacksonville 48-Hour Film Project plus two ProMax BDA awards for his commercial work.
What does it take to turn unimaginable tragedy into a force for good?
For Mavis Paterson, a pioneering Scottish cycling hero now approaching 90, the answer has been decades of unwavering determination, inspiring countless lives and raising extraordinary funds for others along the way.
The Challenge
Stories like Mavis’s—especially those of older women who’ve quietly changed the world—too often go untold while bigger, louder narratives take centre stage in the film world.
We are determined
We’re creating “Fires in the Heather,” a drama-fantasy short film celebrating Mavis’s incredible journey. This isn’t just about making a film—it’s about honouring a true Scottish hero while she’s still with us, and creating a proof-of-concept that will help us secure investors for a full-length feature film.
Be our partner in this film
This film is our gift to her—recognition for a lifetime of turning pain into purpose.
Our Kickstarter launches June 1st, and we need your help to reach our £32,000 goal. These funds will bring our US crew to the UK and cover production costs and actor fees.
This is a luminous story of healing and self-discovery - dramatic, uplifting, and touched with a gentle magic.
FILM RUNTIME
10-15 mins
A warming fictional tale about the legendary Mavis Paterson.
FILMING DAYS
5-6 Days
Filmed on location in Edinburgh
FUNDING TARGET
£18,000
Our fundraising target to make this film happen.
GOFUNDME REWARDS
Join our GoFundMe and choose rewards from a personal thank-you and merch to lunch with the team!
Digital Supporter
Get a digital thank you from our production team! We’ll also send you an exclusive digital artwork wallpaper pack to theme your devices.
FIRST TIER
£2
The Collector
Take home a piece of the writing process with a printed script book signed by the writer and director. You’ll also receive a print-ready, high-resolution digital A3 film poster and early film access.
SIGNED SCRIPT
£35
Associate Supporter
Become a core patron of our project. Secure an official, prominent “Associate Supporter” credit in the film’s main credits block. Includes invitations to the virtual premiere and all digital keepsakes.
EXCLUSIVE CAP
£275
