Written by on Mar 14, 2014. Posted in On Location

New report finds ‘clear opportunity’ for film studio in Scotland

A new report has found a “clear opportunity” for a film studio to be built somewhere in Scotland to help attract more shoots on the scale of Brad Pitt's World War Z. The study was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with Creative Scotland and the Scottish government.

Dalmarnock and Pacific Quay in Glasgow, Gartcosh east of Glasgow and Wardpark Studios outside Cumbernauld are mentioned in the report as shortlisted potential sites that satisfy complex local development requirements. Wardpark Studios is a retrofitted facility that currently hosts major miniseries Outlander.

World War Z, The Railway Man, Under the Skin and Sunshine on Leith (left) are among the high-profile recent films to have shot in Scotland. The UK's generous filming incentives are considered to be instrumental in attracting more shoots north.

The report recommends the development of a Foundation Studio that could potentially be expanded into a commercial project with the right private sector investment.

“This report gives us a sound understanding of Scotland’s options in developing a dedicated film and TV facility,” said David Smith, Director of Creative Industries at Scottish Enterprise: “From here, we can move quickly towards the next phase of work to establish interest from the private sector and develop a robust business case for public sector investment.”

Commented Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop: “Public agencies worked hard to source suitable premises for Outlander to consider and we are delighted that this major production is now filming in a 140,000-square-foot studio established in Cumbernauld. But we recognise that to provide more opportunities for Scottish production we need additional studio space.”

This report gives us a sound understanding of Scotland’s options in developing a dedicated film and TV facility. From here, we can move quickly towards the next phase.

David Smith, Director of Creative Industries at Scottish Enterprise

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission and Film London, added: “A studio would undoubtedly add to Scotland's draw for major producers of film and television, building on the success of Outlander.

“Although not quite full as is often reported, the UK is incredibly busy and we continue to receive huge number of enquires, and therefore we fully support the need for a studio in Scotland.”

Last year Pinewood Studios considered opening a new facility in Scotland but the plan was ultimately reconsidered and a site was instead chosen in Cardiff.