Scotland's film industry is experiencing a boom, with productions like Celebrity Traitors and Outlander driving economic growth. As crews film across the country, there are increasing calls for them to hire local talent to ensure the benefits are shared.
Scotland's Screen Sector: A Growing Economic Force
Scotland's screen sector is growing year on year and is projected to be worth £1bn to the economy by 2030. The success of shows like Celebrity Traitors, which added £21.8m to the Scottish economy since 2022, highlights the potential of film and TV production. Screen tourism, where visitors travel to see filming locations, is a significant contributor. Ardross Castle, the oldest star of Celebrity Traitors, is a key stop on the Scottish tourist board's "screen tourism" trail.
The Push for Local Hiring
Despite the economic benefits, there are concerns about the lack of opportunities for Scottish talent. Research by documentary filmmaker and academic Peter Strachan found that only around 6% of production staff on series three of The Traitors were Scottish. This is despite the production counting towards Ofcom quotas stating the BBC must use 8% of network hours and expenditure in Scotland. The campaign group Standing Up For Scotland's Screen Talent is calling for productions to hire more local crew.
Economic Impact of Screen Productions
| Production | Economic Contribution |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Traitors | £21.8m since 2022 |
| Outlander | Significant tourism boost |
| Indiana Jones | Glasgow as New York |
Challenges of Excessive Tourism
While screen tourism brings economic benefits, it also poses challenges. Areas featured on screen can experience excessive tourism, putting pressure on local infrastructure and communities. Balancing the positive economic impact with sustainable tourism practices is essential.
Key Takeaways
- Scotland's screen sector is projected to be worth £1bn by 2030.
- Only 6% of production staff on The Traitors were Scottish, sparking calls for local hiring.
- Screen tourism boosts local economies but can lead to overtourism.
- Productions are encouraged to hire local talent to spread economic benefits.
FAQ
Why is there a push to hire local talent in Scotland's film industry?
To ensure that the economic benefits of Scotland's booming film industry are shared with local communities and to address the lack of opportunities for Scottish crew.
What is screen tourism?
Screen tourism is when visitors travel to locations featured in films or TV shows, boosting local economies but potentially causing overtourism.
How much is Scotland's screen sector projected to be worth by 2030?
It is projected to be worth £1bn to the economy by 2030.
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