Written by on Nov 19, 2014. Posted in On Location

Renowned First AD Tommy Gormley voices support for Scotland film studio

Tommy Gormley, a prolific First Assistant Director and Glasgow native, has voiced his support for a purpose-built studio facility in Scotland. Television drama Outlander has been one of the largest productions to shoot in Scotland and filmed at adapted facilities near Glasgow.

Filmmaker JJ Abrams recruited Gormley for his feature directorial debut Mission: Impossible III in 2006 and the pair have worked together on all Abrams’ movies since. Gormley was recently given a Scottish Bafta for outstanding contribution to craft, a few weeks after wrapping on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Abrams’ latest movie as director.

“Scotland is full of talented individuals and is blessed with being one of the most visually stunning countries in the world,” Gormley commented.

“It has incredible culture, varied architecture and spectacular scenery, making it an ideal filming location. Alan Cumming, Mark Millar, Brian Cox, Sean Connery, Billy Connolly, Lynne Ramsay and Ewan McGregor are some fine examples of Scottish talent behind and in front of the camera who have dominated Hollywood in recent years - and that's without a dedicated film studio.

“More and more, the larger studios are looking away from Hollywood and Scotland is ideally placed to take advantage of this, with the correct investment. There is huge potential here, but other similar sized nations already have studio facilities so it's important that action is taken now to seize these opportunities.”

Scotland is becoming more popular as an international filming location, but is limited by studio facilities that are largely adapted industrial buildings and warehouses.

In October, Creative Scotland reaffirmed its plans for a purpose-built studio in its report Film Strategy 2014-17. However, specific details are still lacking beyond a feasibility study published earlier this year.

Outlander is set in the Highlands of Scotland and filmed its first series at Wardpark Studios, an adapted industrial facility in Cumbernauld near Glasgow.

(Outlander photo: Nick Briggs – © 2014 Sony PicturesTelevision Inc)