The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Four decades after Local Hero it’s time we had a studio to entice more moviemakers
And, just like that, the past four decades melted away, courtesy of the magic of Local Hero. There I was, sitting in the Montrose Playhouse (the sooner we get the Belmont reopened, the better) for the 40th anniversary screening of Bill Forsyth’s legendary film, and loving every moment of being 21 again.
It was more than a nostalgia rush. I felt like I was meeting old friends again as I rediscovered the characters and story that made this one of my favourite films of the 1980s.
More than that, I was struck by just how stunning the movie made Scotland look – especially Pennan and that iconic phone box.
But, then, it would look magnificent, wouldn’t it? Because it is. So is most of the north and north-east. Something more and more filmmakers are discovering.
Peaky Blinders was filmed in Portsoy, The Crown did extensive shooting at Macduff, Star Wars series Andor brought the Force to Cruachan dam, and even Aberdeen has got in the act, both in Jon S Baird’s Tetris and the BBC Scotland crime drama, Granite Harbour.
We should add Bond classic Skyfall, the Harry Potter films and Hamlet. No doubt there are many others I’ve missed.
All these film companies are heading for the north and north-east because they recognise what a magnificent backdrop our corner of the world offers. But, once the cameras stop rolling and the props and sets are stripped own, off they go down the road again.
Which is why Moray company Openbrolly deserves a massive round of applause for its call to see a film and TV studio built here, with either Aberdeen or Inverness as ideal locations.
After all, if movie companies are flocking here to shoot, we are missing a trick by not offering them facilities to stay here and complete the filming with the studio set-ups they need.
Take The Rig, for example. The Prime Video series was set on a North Sea rig; the creative team researched extensively with north-east oil companies – then filmed the whole thing at a studio in Leith.
Wouldn’t it be great if we had the likes of Martin Compston and Iain Glen spending their time in the Granite City itself ?
A film studio would help attract movie companies, then keep them in the area, kickstarting a homegrown film and television industry right here on our doorstep.
That would not only have kudos but financial benefits, with the spending power of film and television companies – especially the burgeoning streaming services – turbocharging our economy.
It would extend beyond that too. Film locations are now a major and growing tourism draw. You just need to look at the Outlander effect to see that.
Of course, a film studio won’t spring up overnight with a wave of Harry Potter’s wand. It will take dedication, hard work and investment: and an iron will to see it happen.
Openbrolly has asked the question about whether we can create a film studio here. Let’s hope we have Local Heroes who will answer: “Yes.”
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What’s that you say? Yet another symptom of ageing decrepitude has arrived?
Actually, it’s me who is now asking more and more often: “What’s that you say?”
The telly is now up at a volume which means the neighbours are probably following the dialogue to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds along with me. And, if I’m in a noisy, busy environment, like a pub or restaurant, you might as well text me what you’re saying, because you’re going to get fed up of me looking quizzically at you.
I have resisted the notion that hitting my 60s has brought with it any form of physical failing that needs fixing. I mean, my grandad had a hearing aid.
However, I gave in to common sense and decided a hearing test was for the best. It’s better to face the facts than spend more and more time saying “pardon?” or “excuse me?”
The test itself was so straightforward. Earbuds in and a button to push when I heard a tone, however faint. Quick and easy, and now I know what’s going on.
Do I need hearing aids? The good news is that it’s entirely up to me, and whether I feel like I can cope. So, I’ve decided to leave things be for now, until a recall appointment in 12 months.
And, if I do need hearing aids, then so be it. I will embrace that as another step on my journey through life – no “excuse me’s?” needed.