Scotland at dawn of ‘golden age’ of film as stats show £50m production spend

Money generated for the economy from movies and TV ‘at an all-time high’ according to experts

Scotland’s screen industry could be “at the dawn of a golden age”, according to the Chair of Independent Producers Scotland. John Archer, of Glasgowbased Hopscotch Films, is among guest speakers at a Visitscotland Innovatefilm event in the Highlands today, when Scotland’s increasingly prominent role in the film industry will be under the spotlight.

According to the latest available (2016) figures from Creative Scotland, production spend in Scotland is at an all-time record high of over £50 million, and is set to increase with the likes of T2 Trainspotting and Avengers: Infinity War being shot in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

There is also said to be a growing confidence in the sector, with the Scottish Government granting in-principle planning permission for a purpose-built film and TV studio in Midlothian, alongside the significant expansion of Wardpark Studios in Cumbernauld.

Mr Archer said: “Innovatefilm comes at a crucial moment for the screen industries in Scotland. We’ve had a lot of soul searching and there is some agreement on the way forward. If filmmakers, government agencies and broadcasters can work together and get it right, we are at the dawn of a golden age.”

Fiona Mackinnon, Business Development Manager for Visitscotland Business Events, added: “Film and the creative industries are a crucial sector in marketing Scotland both at home and around the world. By their very nature they have a unique ability to inspire and showcase our rugged and beautiful landscapes, as well as our thriving cities. The Innovatefilm event provides an opportunity for local experts and industry champions to network for future collaboration, to help bring the best business events to Scotland and boost its profile on the world stage.”

Xponorth director Amanda Millen, a former BBC drama producer who also leads Xponorth’s screen and broadcast network, Screenhi, said: “The backdrop of Highlands and Islands has played a starring role in many high-profile films in recent years and there’s a wealth of behind-the-scenes talent helping to make that happen.

“The event promises to be a fascinating session.”

0 Trainspotting 2 star Ewan Bremner