14/03/2014 - Tax incentives create surge of interest in filming in Scotland, leading to demand for studio space

There is an opportunity for a film and TV studio facility in Scotland, a new report by Economic and Social Development Consultants commissioned by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government shows. The report says tax incentives have created a surge of interest in filming in Scotland and this is driving demand for studio space. The Foundation Studio proposal recommended in the report would be delivered on a phased basis, comprises two soundstages, two workshops and production offices and would cost around £15 million. The report makes clear that European Union state aid issues would have to be addressed in considering this.

The Scottish Government has committed to making £2 million available in loans to assist the film and television production sector and, over the last three years, almost £60 million has been made available for supporting the screen industry in Scotland from public sector sources.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said, “We have consistently championed Scotland as a location for international film and television productions and we work hard to ensure Scotland is widely recognised for its world-class talent, crews, facilities and breathtaking locations.”

Recent high profile films to have shot in Scotland include Jonathan Glazer’s Under The Skin [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Jonathan Glazer
film profile] and Marc Forster’s World War Z [+see also:
trailer
film profile].

On September 18, Scotland will participate in a referendum to decide whether to remain a part of the United Kingdom or be an independent nation.