‘Huge benefits’ from Outlaw King filming
● Scots locations used for movie based on story of Robert the Bruce
A new feature film based on the story of Robert the Bruce has brought “huge benefits” to the country’s screen sector, the culture secretary has said.
Outlaw King, from Scottish director David Mackenzie, is one of the biggest productions ever made in Scotland.
Filming has just finished having shot at locations including Craigmillar, Blackness and Doune castles, Aviemore, Linlithgow Palace and Glencoe.
Produced by Glasgow-based Sigma Films, it is backed by Netflix and funded by the Scottish Government and National Lottery.
It stars Star Trek’s Chris Pine and Game of Thrones actor Stephen Dillane, with Scottish actors in the cast including James Cosmo, Tony Curran and Alastair Mackenzie.
0 Glasgow Cathedral was one of the locations used for filming of Outlaw King, which features Hollywood star Chris Pine
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop recently visited the set at Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh, where she met members of the cast and crew, plus production trainees.
She said: “A major production like Outlaw King brings huge benefits to the whole screen sector, as well as related businesses.
“Having our stunning locations featured in screen productions also increases tourism. Some of the locations featured in Outlander have seen visitor numbers increase significantly – Doune Castle recorded an increase of 91 per cent since being featured in the series.
“Total production spend on film and TV in Scotland has increased by more than 200 per cent since 2007, and I’m delighted to welcome Outlaw King as the latest chapter in this great success story.”
The production, which provided opportunities for 35 trainees, was awarded £500,000 from the Production Growth Fund (PGF) and another £500,000 from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
The PGF, which is funded by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery, aims to maintain a steady stream of work for Scottish-based crew by encouraging screen productions to be based in Scotland.
Natalie Usher, director of screen at Creative Scotland said: “This exciting project, from one of Scotland’s leading production companies, about one of Scotland’s most iconic historical figures, provides the ideal opportunity to promote Scotland’s rich history, the ambition and talent of our filmmakers, and Scotland’s ability to develop and produce films of an epic scale with an ability to engage an international audience.”
Ms Hyslop has signed off on the proposal to establish a new Screen Unit within Creative Scotland.
The Screen Unit will work to enhance Scotland’s screen industry by aligning and coordinating public sector investment and support more effectively. The collaborative proposal outlines how the unit will operate to capitalise on opportunities for the sector.