Output details

Feasibility Study of Film and Production Space in Scotland

While employed at SQW, I worked with my colleague David Mack-Smith and with Richard Miller from Available Light Advisory, to address the issue of demand for and feasibility of a dedicated space for film and independent TV production space in Scotland. I was the project manager and co-authored the report with Richard Miller. David Mack-Smith was project director and helped to devise the model. Individual authors are not cited on the report, although David's contact details are provided as I left the company (to move to GSA) in September 2010. Verification of my authorship can be provided by my former employer or the client. The research involved detailed analysis of existing sources to establish current and historical production levels in Scotland. We also used secondary sources to determine trends and availability of suitable property, to estimate costs and in consideration of comparator production facilities in the UK and abroad. We carried out 43 semi-structured interviews with representatives from the film and TV production sector in Scotland, including producers, crew, broadcasters and representatives from regional film offices, Scottish Screen and other stakeholders. We also hosted a number of 'round-table' events to illicit further attitudinal responses. We then defined and tested six options for production space in Scotland according to their perceived feasibility and likely economic impact. These options were considered by our client (Scottish Enterprise) and have been used to influence policy decisions in relation to their continued support of the sector. Our involvement on this project arose from previous work carried out in association with Screen East and Three Rivers Council on the economic impact of Warner Bros' development of Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire (the former 'Harry Potter' Studios).