A recent enquiry by Holyrood’s economic committee has yielded that Scotland is performing significantly below that of its neighbours in the UK and internationally when it comes to the overall pertinence of the film and TV industry.

The Scottish government report highlighted the need for a dramatic change in the sector throughout Scotland. The group heard from a host of key industry figures earlier this year that emphasised several issues, specifically a pressing need for a Scottish film and TV studio.

Gillian Berrie, one of Scotland’s premier film producers, said: “A city-centre based studio is a priority, but it shouldn’t eclipse the urgent requirement to address the industry’s financial needs. Lack of strategic intervention in film and TV’s infrastructural investment means that jobs are not being created and talent continues to leave. While there is no incentive fund for incoming productions, tens of millions of pounds of foreign finance is simply not being competed for.”

Despite the concerns from Berrie, Scotland has hosted some notable productions recently including: Outlander, World War Z, Under the Skin and The Railway Man.  A government spokeswoman also pointed out that total public sector support for the screen industry has risen from £16.2m to £21.6m in six years.

 

 

A spokesman from Creative Scotland added: “We will consider the recommendations as a matter of priority and work closely with Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and other partners to develop a clear shared plan for their delivery.”

As a result of the report ministers are now being pressured to set up a new film industry taskforce charged with streamlining the creation of new incentives, attracting and developing big-money productions and pushing for more home-grown drama.