Written by new-contact on Nov 1, 2013. Posted in On Location

Plan revealed to make Outlander studio a permanent Scotland filming facility

A retrofitted studio in Scotland being used for major TV miniseries Outlander is intended for use as a long-term filming facility once the drama wraps. Scotland lacks a purpose-built studio so the Outlander production team converted a derelict warehouse in Cumbernauld near Glasgow.

The converted facility now known as Wardpark Studios currently offers two sound stages, with an additional 65,000 square feet of facilities planned. A deal has been made with the Outlander producers to have certain production resources left behind when the show leaves, to help the studio to continue functioning, the Scotsman reports.

“We are really keen to create a long-term production facility on the site,” Cumbernauld site owner Terry Thomson told the outlet: “It’s obvious there was a great deal of disappointment about Scotland missing out on Game of Thrones. People are crying out for a permanent facility in Scotland to ensure something like that doesn’t happen again."

A deal has been made with the Outlander producers to have certain production resources left behind when the show leaves, to help the studio to continue functioning.

“Outlander is only using around two-thirds of the warehouses here at the moment. The deal we have struck is that everything fitted to the building stays. From day one, my thought was that this should be a permanent facility and would last well beyond Outlander,” Thomson added.

Separately, the Scottish government is involved with a feasibility study for a purpose-built studio in Scotland. Multiple sites are being considered throughout the country and the study will be published in the next few weeks.

“The full study is due to be completed by December and will develop the business case for investment, which we expect will involve a competitive process. There is currently no decision on any preferred location. Private sector interest and appetite to invest in development and operation of studio facilities will be a significant factor in determining location,” explained David Smith, director of Creative Industries at Scottish Enterprise.

Scotland has major international production appeal and in 2012 attracted shoots including Fast & Furious 6, The Railway Man and Keanu Reeves’ samurai drama 47 Ronin (above).

(Main page image: Glasgow Scotland with Style)