Thanks to an ambitious strategy launched earlier this year, Screen Scotland has set a bold goal: to transform the country into a “centre of global production” by 2030. This plan, however, comes at a time when Scotland’s film and TV sector faces several significant challenges, including budget squeezes and a shortage of work for thousands of freelancers. So, can Scotland rise to this prominent role in the next six years?

“Scotland is having a bit of a moment right now, but there’s no need for us to rest on our laurels,” says Mike Ellen, founder of Glasgow-based indie production company Freedom Scripted. “We need to make sure we build something sustainable.”

Screen Scotland reported that the screen sector contributed £627.1 million ($770 million) to Scotland’s economy in 2021. Their vision for the future includes a push to attract international productions, foster local talent, and support infrastructure development. By 2030, the goal is to drive economic growth to £1 billion ($1.23 billion) GVA and create a thriving, confident film and screen culture.

Building a Sustainable Future for Scotland’s Screen Industry

Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes—from its rolling lowlands to its rugged peaks—have made it an attractive location for major productions like Outlander and Netflix’s One Day. However, industry experts agree that there’s still a lot of work to do if Scotland is to become a true global production hub by 2030.

“You always have to have one foot in London,” explains Ellen, who has spent much of his 22-year career working between Scotland and the UK capital. Despite Scotland’s growth, many decisions are still made in London, a reality that impacts the local production scene.

Inward investment has been a major part of Scotland’s success, with large-scale productions like Outlander providing a significant boost to the local industry. However, Ellen emphasizes that Scotland’s screen sector needs to build its own IP and foster local talent to maintain control over its future.

Studios and Infrastructure: A Key Component of Growth

The growth of Scotland’s film and television industry depends heavily on the expansion of studio space and infrastructure. Historically, the country lacked studio facilities to support high-volume productions, but that’s beginning to change.

New studios like FirstStage Studios in Edinburgh, where The Rig was filmed, and Wardpark Studios in Glasgow, home to Outlander, are helping fill the gap. Meanwhile, Stirling Studios is set to become one of the largest film campuses in Scotland, creating thousands of jobs and positioning the country as a prime destination for global productions.

However, some setbacks remain. Pioneer Film Studios, one of Scotland’s biggest film and TV spaces, closed its doors earlier this year due to financial difficulties. As industry professionals like Derek Drennan from Nest Productions point out, there’s still a lack of awareness and education about the studio spaces available in Scotland.

The Role of Talent and Training

For Scotland to succeed as a global production hub, it must not only invest in infrastructure but also in the development of local talent. Companies like Freedom Scripted and Nest Productions are focused on training up-and-coming talent, but challenges remain, particularly in finding work for factual and non-scripted crews.

Drennan sees potential in bridging the gap between small production companies in Scotland and larger, international studios. By offering support in areas like legal, finance, and insurance, Nest Productions aims to empower local creatives to focus on building their productions while connecting them with global opportunities.

A Bright Future Ahead?

Despite the challenges, many industry leaders remain optimistic about Scotland’s future as a global production hub. With Screen Scotland’s 2030 strategy in place, along with increasing studio space and growing international recognition, the pieces are slowly falling into place. However, the industry will need continued investment, strategic partnerships, and political support to achieve its ambitious goals.

As Ellen points out, “If Scotland is having a moment, we need to make sure we put down some roots and build something that lasts.”