What a shame that Scotland was snubbed by producers of Game of Thrones as a filming location – and it seems it’s our own fault.
A spokesperson from the Equity actors’ union claimed the TV drama was put off by Scotland’s lack of infrastructure, unlike Northern Ireland which could facilitate the production.
He was giving evidence at a Holyrood inquiry which is currently exploring the impact of the creative industries in Scotland, and it has been a fascinating one to follow.
The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee is looking at the TV and film industry and video games sector to see what can be done to support their growth and contribution to our economy.
I think it’s great that they’re looking into ways to support these industries, which employ 130,000 people and turn over more than £12 billion a year.
The figures sound impressive, don’t they?
But don’t be misled into thinking these industries are thriving – it’s not all rosy I’m afraid. Experts have been warning the inquiry that they’re in a troubled state.
If you thought being a film-maker, writer or producer was all glitz and glamour, it seems you’d be wrong – apparently they’re struggling due to lack of support, facilities and broadcaster backing.
There have also been calls for Scotland to inaugurate its own film studio, in order to make the country a more attractive filming location.
A host of industry experts have been putting in their tuppence worth, either giving evidence in person or through written submissions, and they make for interesting reading on the Scottish Parliament website.
Amongst them is one from award-winning producer and director David Griffith whose recent work includes micro-budget, ‘tartan noir’ thriller, Timelock.
He believes a dynamic national film industry employs and retains skilled creative workers in the country and acts as a key driver for tourism.
But he describes the level and type of business support provided by Scottish Enterprise for Scottish film production as “wholly inadequate”, and says Lottery-funded project support through Creative Scotland is “inefficient and too narrowly focused” compared to other parts of the UK.
I was particularly interested to read his criticism around lack of funding for low and micro-budget productions, which he describes as a “training ground” for emerging producers. An interesting point, because if we don’t invest in and nurture upcoming talent, where will the great producers of the future come from?
I have to say I commend the fact this inquiry is taking place. Yes, it means analysing all the flaws of an industry that often sees glamorous and hand-to-mouth existences sitting side-by-side, but it also means a serious attempt is being made to improve it.
In the meantime, don’t go thinking that it’s all doom and gloom for Scotland. There might well be room for improvement, but we’re still on the map for some big film-makers.
It wasn’t so long ago that Batman, Bond and the Alien prequel Prometheus all featured scenes shot here.
And the rumour mill reckons Star Wars Episode VII might even touch down to shoot in Skye and the Highlands, which would be exciting indeed.
On the TV front, the multi-million-pound US TV series Outlander has filmed extensively at spots including Doune Castle.
Meanwhile, on the gaming front, Edinburgh-based Rockstar North, the company behind huge video game franchise Grand Theft Auto, continues to enjoy global recognition.
With all of that in mind, Scotland’s obviously doing something right, so if we can build on this and make our creative industries even better, I think we can look forward to exciting times ahead.
Cut Waste, Cut Bills, Help Others
The subject of Britain’s food waste reared its ugly head again last week, with the news that we Brits throw away enough food to make six meals per week.
I’m sure for most of us, the idea that much of our weekly shop goes unused when huge demand is placed on foodbanks across the country is abhorrent.
We need to be looking at ways to be more economical and not get carried away with false bargains.
Love Food Hate Waste is a Scottish organisation set up by Zero Waste Scotland to help inform people about food waste and how it can be avoided.
It claims Scotland throws away 630,000 tonnes of food and drink from its homes every year – most of which could have been eaten.
Its website aims to educate people on better forward-thinking, with meal planners, portion advice, storage tips, and recipes.
It’s a great idea and I bet the tips could potentially save cash-strapped consumers a penny or two by helping them make the best use of what’s in the cupboards.
Deals and discounts are great but don’t be a sucker for every deal you see – think carefully and realistically about what you’ll actually use.
It’s not just consumers that need to change their habits either. I think supermarkets could do more to help discourage waste. Lots of goods come in multi-packs, and because buying individually is often more expensive, consumers are easily tempted into an unnecessary bulk buy.
We should all be looking at our habits to reduce food waste – especially when others are going without.
It Made Me Laugh: A Scoop of Bard
I’m sure lots of you will be reading this after freshly enjoying a fantastic Burns Supper.
Haggis, neeps, and tatties – all the makings of the perfect Burns Night tea. But I wonder how many of you enjoyed a second helping in the form of a haggis ice cream dessert?
A restaurant in St Andrews chose to honour the Bard by creating the unusual dessert and serving it up at its Ladies’ Burns Supper. The ‘offal’-sounding concoction was dreamed up by Scott Davies and his sous chef Stewart Macaulay.
Nevertheless, I applaud the pair for their innovative take on a very traditional dish.
By all accounts it was well received – and I’m sure even our Rabbie would have commended their creativity.
It Made Me Weep: A&E Needs Real Investment
News broke last week that officials at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley had taken to Facebook in an appeal for volunteers to help out at its busy A&E department.
It’s reported that if the plan works, it will be rolled out to other hospitals.
I’m sure there will be a rigorous selection process for anyone who applies and I would assume volunteers’ duties would be limited to non-clinical work.
I just hope an unpaid workforce won’t come to be too heavily relied upon.
If A&E departments are stretched and struggling, the government needs to look at what’s going wrong and address it, not plug gaps or use people’s kindness as an excuse to avoid investment where it’s most required.
