Written by new-contact on Oct 17, 2014. Posted in On Location

Creative Scotland reaffirms commitment to film studio in new report

Creative Scotland has reaffirmed its commitment to a purpose-built film studio in Scotland in its new report Film Strategy 2014-17. Television drama Outlander is one of the highest-profile productions currently filming in Scotland and is based in a retrofitted facility in Cumbernauld.

The Scottish government has long been under pressure to develop a full studio facility to help boost the country’s international appeal. Creative Scotland’s report reaffirms plans for a studio, but there are no new details regarding possible site locations or funding.

“The creation of a film studio has been identified as a key priority in order for Scotland to accommodate high-profile international projects as well as properly supporting and serving Scotland’s own productions,” the report states.

“A Scottish film studio would also support and serve connected companies, such as picture and sound post-production facilities, and encourage the growth of digital companies including VFX companies, increasing output and creating employment with the associated economic benefits.

“With this in mind, Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government are committed to establishing a sustainable studio, working within the European Union’s rules on State Aid.”

Scotland has become more popular in recent years as an international filming location and pressure is building on the government to commit to a full-scale studio build. A feasibility study published earlier this year identified a shortlist of potential development sites, all of which were in or around Glasgow. The government also launched a loan fund partly intended to support a studio build.

The creation of a film studio has been identified as a key priority in order for Scotland to accommodate high-profile international projects.

Film Strategy

The country suffered a setback in February when Pinewood Studios announced a new TV facility for Cardiff, after initially holding discussions with Scottish authorities. Mentions of studio development in the new report could help reassure the Scottish industry of the government’s plans.

There’s at least one rival plan to a government-backed development. In the last few months, plans for a separate, independent Scottish studio have also been announced for Straiton outside Edinburgh.

(Photo: Nick Briggs – © 2014 Sony PicturesTelevision Inc)