Written by new-contact on Sep 8, 2015. Posted in On Location

Production spending in Scotland climbs to eight-year high

Production spending from film and TV shoots in Scotland rose to an eight-year high of GBP 45.2 million in 2014, according to new government figures. Movies shot in Scotland over the past few years include Michael Fassbender’s Macbeth and Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin.

Spending in Scotland was up and down for several years, but has consistently risen since 2012 and the 2014 figure represents an increase of nearly GBP 12 million.

“This rise in production spend is a strong indication that film producers have a growing appetite to base their productions in Scotland,” said Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

“With our stunning, iconic landscapes, rich culture and heritage and skilled and talented crew, the GBP 45 million production spend total for 2014 demonstrates that producers around the world recognise that Scotland has much to offer.

“These productions generate significant income for Scotland through the use of Scottish talent, crews, locations, transport and accommodation, and through the impact they have on tourism.”

Last week the Scottish government announced a new Production Growth Fund of GBP 1.75 million that will operate for the next two years as a Scottish filming incentive.

“We want to ensure that Scotland is recognised as a key destination for UK and international productions because of its world-class talent, crews, facilities and locations,” said Natalie Usher, Director of Screen at Creative Scotland, of the new fund.

In June the Scottish government announced plans to put together a new group of film industry experts to offer advice on how to support Scotland’s film sector. The announcement followed an inquiry that criticised the conflicting remits of Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise.

(Image: Empire)