Trainspotting (film) discussing which chapters of the book would and would not translate into film. Hodge finished the first draft by December. Macdonald secured financing from Channel 4, a British television station known for funding independent films. Pre-production began in April 1995. Ewan McGregor was cast after impressing Boyle and Macdonald with his work on their previous film, "Shallow Grave". According to Boyle, for the role of Renton, they wanted the quality of Michael Caine's character in "Alfie" and Malcolm McDowell's character in "A Clockwork Orange", "repulsive ... with charm "that makes you feel deeply ambiguous about what he's doing." McGregor shaved
Kerry McGregor manager of The Proclaimers, and in 1997 chosen to participate in "The Great British Song Contest", the UK selection for the "Eurovision Song Contest", with the song "Yodel in the Canyon of Love". The song came second, behind Katrina and the Waves' "Love Shine a Light", which went on to win the competition that year. Polygram later signed McGregor to a solo deal, and released "Yodel in the Canyon of Love" as a single. McGregor had appeared in a number of stage and television shows including the Channel 4 comedy "The Book Group" playing Kenny's love-interest Carol Ann, and the