Report sets out ambitions to grow the television broadcast and production sector by 60% over next 3 years
Scotland’s Television Broadcast and Production Working Group today publish their report into how Scotland’s television sector can achieve significant growth over the next three years, increasing turnover from £215m to £346m and increasing employment from 2,910 to 4,676.
The report details the specific recommendations and actions that will generate this growth, with broadcasters, independent production companies and the public sector all having a key role.
It recommends collaborative working to achieve significant growth, generating more jobs, wealth, investment, exports and competitiveness, as well as raising the profile of Scotland’s national identity – its stories and its talent - to audiences at home and internationally.
The report was developed by representatives of Scotland’s broadcasters, independent production sector, freelance crew and public agencies and was facilitated by Creative Scotland.
The report is launched today alongside a supplementary report, Market Assessment of Broadcast and Television Production in Scotland, published by Scottish Enterprise. A second Scottish Enterprise report, a Feasibility Study of Television and Film Production Space in Scotland, is due to be published towards the end of September 2010 and relates to a recommendation from the Working Group’s report.
Chair of the Television Broadcast and Production Working Group, David Strachan, Managing Director of Tern Television, said: “There are a lot of facts and figures to digest but underneath them all are exciting opportunities. If we work together, the prizes ahead are significant.”
Andrew Dixon, Creative Scotland CEO said:"The report demonstrates the commitment made by all sides to align ambitions and actions – the broadcasters, the indies and the public sector. It also marks a step change in how Creative Scotland will work with the broadcast and production sector in the future. The challenge to all of us is to step up to the mark and see the goals in the report achieved.”
Linda McPherson, director of Creative Industries at Scottish Enterprise said: “By growing our ambitious television broadcast companies, we can grow the sector and ultimately Scotland’s economy. The report details the specific recommendations and actions that could drive this growth, and we will continue to work alongside Creative Scotland to provide Scottish Enterprise assistance where it can have the most impact with these companies.”
The reports will be published online on both the Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise websites from 10am on Friday 27 August 2010.
1. The Television Broadcast and Production Working Group was established 18 months ago to examine how Scotland can seize the opportunities for growth set out in the final report of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission, published in September 2008 and the subsequent economic development strategy produced by Scottish Enterprise, published in March 2009.
2. This report has also been developed within the context of Digital Inspiration, a strategy for Scotland’s Digital Media Industry, published in December 2009.
3. The Television Broadcast and Production Working Group represented Scotland’s broadcasters, independent production sector, freelance crew and public agencies. It was chaired by David Strachan, Tern TV and the members were: Hamish Barbour, IWC Media, Nancy Braid, D-I Brown and Bruce Malcolm, BBC Scotland, Donald Campbell, MG Alba, Alan Clements and Paul Sheehan, STV, Stuart Cosgrove, Channel 4, Peter Gallagher, Association of Film and TV Practitioners in Scotland, Eileen Gallagher and Margaret Scott, Shed Productions, David Hartley and George Falconer, Scottish Enterprise, Ken Hay, Creative Scotland, Katie Lander, Finestripe Productions, Amanda Millen, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Carole Sheridan (formerly Scottish Screen, now Singer Films), David Smith, Matchlight and Richard Wilkins, Scottish Government. Creative Scotland facilitated the work of the group.
4. Creative Scotland, the new national development body for the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland and was established on 1 July 2010.
5. Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's main economic development agency and aims to deliver a significant, lasting effect on the Scottish economy. Their role is to help identify and exploit the best opportunities for economic growth. They support ambitious Scottish companies to compete within the global marketplace and help build Scotland’s globally competitive sectors. Scottish Enterprise also work with a range of partners in the public and private sectors to attract new investment to Scotland and to help create a world-class business environment.
6. For more information on Creative Scotland go to: www.creativescotland.com.
7. Contacts: Amy Fairbairn, Creative Scotland, 0141 302 17649 or email amy.fairbairn@creativescotland.com and the Scottish Enterprise press office, 0141 228 2019 or email pressoffice@scotent.co.uk