Spending on film and TV in Scotland hits record high

Spending on film and TV in Scotland last year reached £95 million – the highest level since records began – and a £26 million increase on the previous year.

Data now shows that over the past decade, spending has increased more than 300 per cent.

One of the films shot in Scotland and backed by Creative Scotland funding last year is Outlaw King, which tells the story of Robert the Bruce and his transformation from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of medieval Scotland by Edward I of England.

The film reunites director David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water) with star Chris Pine alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh and Billy Howle.

Other film and TV productions shot here in 2017 include: Avengers Infinity War, Outlander, Patrick Melrose, Mary Queen Of Scots, The Cry*, The Victim*, Tell It To The Bees*, Freedom Fields*, Keepers*, Aquarela*, Wild Rose*, Ordeal By Innocence*, We Don’t Talk About Love*, Anna And The Apocalypse*, Beats*, Only You*, The Party’s Just Beginning. *denotes film and TV productions in receipt of Creative Scotland funding.

On the back of the industry’s soaring productivity, Creative Scotland has now announced a new £3m fund for television production.

The Broadcast Content Fund, announced on the eve of the Edinburgh Television Festival, will offer money to future TV and digital projects.

It will be open to production companies that are based in Scotland, offering grants of between £10,000 and £500,000.

Robert Wilson, Chair of Creative Scotland, said: “I’m enormously proud to be announcing this significant moment in the development of Scotland’s screen sector. As a result of the determination and focus of all our partners, the hard work of our dedicated team, and the incredible support of the Scottish Government and the National Lottery, we are another step closer to delivering a strong and confident sector for the benefit of all.

“Building on the sector’s achievements to date, these latest announcements deliver further on the promise to increase funding, build stronger relationships at home, in the wider UK and internationally, increase capacity within Screen Scotland, working in close collaboration with the sector to ensure its success.

“I firmly believe that Screen Scotland’s identity offers a clear and distinct brand that will resonate with the sector and our national and international partners.

“With Isabel Davis joining us to lead Screen Scotland in a matter of weeks, David Mackenzie’s Outlaw King opening Toronto International Film Festival, the extraordinary feature documentary Aquarela receiving its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival next month, as well as record levels of production spend in Scotland, these are truly exciting times for Scotland’s screen sector.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs added: “I’m delighted to welcome Screen Scotland, a vital component in our wider vision for Scotland’s screen sector.

“It aims to attract, retain and develop talent and businesses in Scotland. There is new and enhanced funding and support that puts Scotland on a par with other nations. The new Broadcast Content Fund will invest £3m in our TV sector to provide it with the targeted financial backing it needs to develop.

“Scotland has the talent and the opportunity to grow its TV sector and the job of Screen Scotland is to make sure we seize the moment.”