Written by new-contact on Sep 30, 2013. Posted in On Location

Scotland compiles location shortlist for new film studio

Four different sites in Scotland are reportedly being assessed as possibilities for the development of a film studio. Scotland is a popular filming location but the government is under pressure to develop large-scale studio facilities to secure the production industry’s long-term future.

Locations in and around Glasgow are the favourites, according to a report in the Scotsman. Glasgow has been a popular filming location in recent years, with Brad Pitt’s World War Z (left) being a particularly epic visitor. Film City Glasgow already has a facility in the city that offers building space and an assortment of production resources, and is pursuing plans to develop another, larger-scale studio.

“To help potential studio investors and operators we’ve commissioned a study to identify a number of potential options, locations and business models so that these companies fully understand the choices they have when considering Scotland as a business location,” David Smith, director of creative industries at Scottish Enterprise, told the outlet.

“The first phase of the study, looking at initial feasibility and option development, has been completed and we’ll be able to share initial findings shortly. The full study is due to be completed by December.”

“Attracting international productions is a key strand of Creative Scotland’s work and the new television series Outlander, which starts shooting soon in Cumbernauld, is the biggest inward investment in film and television ever secured in Scotland,” added a spokeswoman for the Scottish government.

To help potential studio investors and operators we’ve commissioned a study to identify a number of potential options, locations and business models.

David Smith, Scottish Enterprise

Outlander will be filming 16 episodes, but will be using retrofitted warehouse facilities in Cumberbauld, near Glasgow.

Gillian Berrie, a producer and co-founder of Film City Glasgow, recently warned that the success of securing Outlander should not distract from the need for permanent large-scale studios in Scotland.

To find out more about World War Z on location click here.

(Main page image: Glasgow Scotland with Style)