Written by on Feb 20, 2014. Posted in On Location

Scotland on course for film studio development as Pinewood chooses Cardiff

Scotland is continuing to consider the options for large-scale film studio development and a feasibility study will be published in the near-future. Authorities face criticism that Scotland lost out on the opportunity to host a Pinewood facility, days after a new studio was announced for Cardiff.

“We know there’s increasing demand for production space, as the Welsh government and Pinewood announcement demonstrates,” comments David Smith, Director of Creative Industries at Scottish Enterprise.

“Like Wales, we believe there is significant opportunity to grow our film and TV sector. Wales has chosen a particular route to go down to generate this growth and we’ll choose our route.

"This is an exciting time for film and TV production and we are sure that Scotland can capitalise on this.”

Speaking to the Herald Scotland, British Film Commission Chairman Iain Smith criticised Scottish Enterprise for being “unable to reach a conclusion in almost a year of careful deliberations” with Pinewood Studios. The Scottish government told the outlet that “a specific site in Glasgow” was considered by Pinewood last year, but was ultimately rejected “for technical reasons”.

This is an exciting time for film and TV production and we are sure that Scotland can capitalise on this.

David Smith, Director of Creative Industries at Scottish Enterprise

A spokesperson for Scottish Enterprise told The Location Guide that the timescale for the development of a studio in Scotland remains “absolutely on track” and reiterated that Pinewood’s decision to build a facility in Cardiff is good news for the UK-wide production industry and its international appeal.

Locations in and around Glasgow are reportedly on the shortlist for a Scottish studio. Film City Glasgow already offers building space and production resources, while US miniseries Outlander is filming in retrofitted facilities in nearby Cumbernauld. Glasgow itself has become a popular international filming location, most famously doubling for Philadelphia in an extensive shoot for Brad Pitt’s zombie drama World War Z.

One of the broader long-term uncertainties that could affect a studio decision is the upcoming vote on Scottish independence, which will take place in September this year. A Yes vote would be seismic for Scotland’s production industry, as of course it would be for the country as a whole.

(Main page photo: Mactographer)