DUNDEE looks set to win the race to build Scotland’s first major purpose-built film studio after developer Studio City Scotland announced it is going ahead with plans to develop a £120 million studio and entertainment complex in the city.
The National has learned the consortium of developers have settled on a site in the north-west of Dundee and have already begun the formal planning consultations for the complex.
Hollywood actor Brian Cox, who was born in Dundee, is said to be aware of the development and is “very supportive” according to a consortium source.
The National can also reveal Dundee City Council has been working with the developers in conditions of considerable secrecy while the proposals were being drawn up.
Studio City Scotland (SCS) said last night: “Following a review of sites across Scotland and extensive discussions with Dundee City Council and financial backers, the consortium is confident that the project will be delivered.”
The studio development will incorporate state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly £120 million studios – “the greenest in the world” said one consortium source – with multiple sound stages.
SCS has had discussions at a senior level with Hollywood studios and industry professionals in Scotland and says these talks have informed the specifications for the studios.
Scotland already plays host to the filming of hit series Outlander in studios at Cumbernauld, but SCS said that it is crucial for the new Dundee studios to offer the correct facilities to service both feature films and high-end TV drama.
The developer also hopes to take advantage of Dundee’s global reputation in the video games industry and is proposing the creation of a screen and media theme park and eGames centre.
Discussions are said to be at an advanced stage with major entertainment, communications and local eGames companies which will create a centre of excellence for the video games industry.
SCS added: “With Dundee being an acknowledged hub for games and digital media it makes sense to build on the city’s global reputation and this will further enhance Dundee as a tourist destination.”
The studios will be an international collaborative effort with a firm of Scottish project managers leading the development and an as-yet-unnamed firm of American architects with a long track record in designing studios working with architects based in Scotland to deliver the new complex.
Though SCS sources say they are willing to work with Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland, they are nevertheless confident that, if necessary, the entire project can be produced and delivered without recourse to the public purse and will be privately financed and funded.
This point could be crucial as three years ago the European Commission ordered the Spanish government to tell the regional government of Alicante to stop subsidising local film studio Cuidad de la Luz, which subsequently closed and is being sold off.
A senior source at Studio City Scotland told The National: “Our studios will provide an irresistible lure to filmmakers.
“Scotland has huge things to offer, not just the skills of crew, actors and industry tradesmen, but also phenomenal locations.
“With all these existing pluses for filmmakers, it would be an amazing bonus to be able to provide all the sound stage, backup and production services which the country does not have.
“The whole of the film world has to be fired up and energised by the vision, there is bound to be a degree of competition between the various film studios but that will be a good thing.
“The more opportunities that exist, the more we are able to compete in the world market place and the better that is for the UK film industry as whole.
“Also, the possibilities created by such a quantum leap for the Scottish film industry as these new studios are enormous.
“The education element of the complex is very important for Scotland and in time this will become a superb centre of excellence where all aspects of movie making can be taught.
“Local employment opportunities and apprenticeship schemes will be high on the list of our priorities throughout the construction programme.”
Martin Cherry, managing director of consortium member Bannerman Technology said: “Dundee is the right place at the right time. The city is undergoing major re-generation around the new V & A at Dundee so this development will capitalise on the attention that is attracting.
“This development will drive significant economic development for the city and Dundee City Council’s planning and economic development teams are being highly supportive.”
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