Locations
The booming value of Scotland’s screen industry has been accompanied by an expansion of its production infrastructure. Cumbernauld’s Wardpark Studios was the first purpose-built film studio in Scotland and has been home to Sony/Starz’s hit series Outlander since 2012.
The natural beauty of Scotland’s sweeping landscapes, ancient castles, Georgian buildings and Victorian cityscapes make it a favourite location for foreign films and high-end TV productions.
Talent
The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Scottish films made. This rise has been accompanied by an increase in studio space and new training initiatives for behind-the-scenes talent.
Films like Lynne Ramsay’s I Am Not Your Wife and Amy Jackson’s upcoming feature Aftersun have showcased Scotland as an exciting place for filmmakers to work. In addition, the reopening of Pioneer Film Studios in Stepps offers more onsite production space for companies to base their operations.
Production
From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to rib-tickling comedies, Scotland has long been a draw for filmmakers seeking to produce quality film and TV. This is thanks to a focus on local talent, infrastructure and supply chains.
The national film body, Screen Scotland, is charged with invigorating and stimulating this growth while also maintaining a vibrant independent sector. Its executive director, former BFI executive Isabel Davis, has been tasked with steering the industry through a period of huge inward investment.