ROBBERS THE BRUCE
Freedom fighter movie bosses accused of hiring extras from English agencies
Graeme Donohoe Film-makers behind the new Robert The Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots movies snubbed extras from Scots talent agencies in favour of English-based firms.
Creative Scotland have been accused of awarding grants to big- budget biopics on two of Scotland’s most famous historical f igures without ensuring local companies benefit. Star Trek actor Chris Pine plays Robe r t The Bruce in Netflix production the Outlaw King, whi le Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie will feature in Mary Queen of Scots.
But ta lent agencies north of the Border have compl a ined cash from the films is funnelling down south instead of generating money here.
David Bell, whose f irm Real People have 1000 extras, said: “The irony is this is a film about one of the SNP’s favourite freedom fighters, Robert The Bruce, fighting against English repression – yet the money is heading to England.
“The same is happening with the Mary Queen of Scots film. Films receiving public funding in Wales and Northern Ireland insist on a community benefit clause.
“If Government bodies are putting money into a film, it should be part of the contract that they use local talent.”
A Sussex- based company called Key Casting – run by Tara Keenan – were awarded the contract for sourcing extras for Robert The Bruce.
Netflix held a meeting with Scots agencies but Bell added: “They said if we wanted our people involved, they needed to register with this other agent. The commission we were offered was derisory.”
Graeme Miller, of GMB Casting, said Scots agencies now plan to canvas MSPs for support. He added: “The Scots firms are joining forces where we’re trying to get this issue raised at Scottish Parliament level.”
A Creative Scotland spokesman said: “We actively promote Scottishbased crew, agencies and facility companies to all productions working in Scotland. It is, however, ultimately up to the producers.”
The Outlaw King is produced by Scots firm Sigma Films, whose boss Gillian Berrie said local actors will be heavily represented.
She added: “Almost 99 per cent of the extras on the film are Scottish.
“Sigma have offered thousands of Scots opportunities in the screen sector – not to mention the tireless lobbying Sigma do with Creative Scotland to provide infrastructure and funding for the industry.”
Mary Queen of Scots production firms Focus Features and Working Title Films failed to respond to requests for a comment.