Outlander begins production in Scotland September 2013
Scotland’s biggest ever, inward investment
through Film and TV
Lead role: Scottish actor, Sam Heughan
WITH the news that Starz, a major cable network in the US, and the global television studio, Sony Pictures Television, have chosen Scotland as the location for their new original series Outlander, Scotland has received its biggest-ever inward investment through Film and TV.
The project, produced by Left Bank Pictures, Tall Ship Productions, and Story Mining & Supply Company, in association with Sony Pictures Television, has received a 16-episode order, with production slated to begin in September, in Scotland where the books are set.
Caroline Parkinson, creative director, Creative Scotland, said: “Scotland is widely recognised for its world-class talent, crews and facilities, as well as its fantastic locations.
“This, alongside the UK’s recent introduction of high-end TV drama tax incentives is helping to make Scotland an even more attractive proposition for further inward investment.
“As well as delighting Outlander fans, the 16-episode order will provide further sustainability for the country’s film crews and facilities and will continue to build Scotland’s international reputation in the screen industries.
“Providing opportunities to develop current skills and training, the filming will serve to strengthen Scotland’s filming provision infrastructure through the creation of the Outlander studio space, as well as associated workshop and production facilities.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said:
“The decision to film Outlander in Scotland is a welcome vote of confidence in our first-rate facilities and talent production crews and cements our nation’s reputation as a sought-after location for major productions.
“Scotland has the capacity and talent to become a global centre of TV and film production, and the Scottish Government has consistently championed Scotland as a location for international film and TV productions.
“I would like to commend Creative Scotland and our other public sector agencies for their hard work in securing this production in Scotland.”
Adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling series of seven books, which tell the story of Claire and James Fraser, using time travel to slip between 18th and 20th Century Scotland, the series will be written and executive produced by Ronal D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: The Next Generation). The lead role will be played by Sam Heughan, a Scottish born and trained actor.
The production company is building a dedicated television studio and production base near Glasgow. It is estimated that the series will commission around 200 Scottish based crew, and over 2,000 extras from within Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Diana Gabaldon’s seven-book series has sold more than 20 million copies and has graced the New York Times best-sellers list six times.
The books have developed a passionate fan following, with multiple companies running “Jamie and Claire” tours of Scotland, where they visit locations from the books.
Outlander online
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Outlander.Starz
Twitter: @Outlander_Starz – join the conversation with #OutlanderStarz
For further details contact:
Sophie Bambrough
sophie.bambrough@creativescotland.com
07747606146
Notes to editors:
- Creative Scotland Locations provides free and confidential assistance to any production seeking to film on location in Scotland. We can provide images, information, recce support and local crew contacts. Working closely with all regional film offices, local authorities, national organisations and Government agencies to ensure a trouble-free shoot. Contact us at locations@creativescotland.com or visit our website www.creativescotlandlocations.com
- Film & TV Funding in Scotland
Creative Scotland offers funding for film development and production to Scottish-based filmmaking talent, and will fund the co-production of films that shoot in Scotland.The Film and Television funding programme has an allocation of £4m for the financial year 2013/14.We also fund multi-award winning talent development programmes, including Scottish Shorts from Hopscotch Films and www.digicult.co.uk, which develops and produces a range of short live action and animated films each year, and the internationally renowned Bridging the Gap short documentary initiative from www.scottishdocinstitute.comWe fund the Market Leaders initiative from www.initialize-films.co.uk which provides continuing professional development to our film producers through a year-long programme of events and key market attendance.For full details of how we support Scotland’s film and television talent and companies go to: http://www.creativescotland.com/funding/film-and-televisionCreative Scotland also provides additional funding for recces and can recommend accommodation deals throughout Scotland. For more information contact locations@creativescotland.com with details of your project or visit: http://www.creativescotlandlocations.com
- Scotland’s Film facilities
Alongside Scotland’s locations, film companies need a roof, four walls and a power grid nearby. We’ve pulled together details on all the key studio, office and production spaces located throughout the country – ready to accommodate crew and productions. Visit our website http://www.creativescotland.com/explore/showcase/filming-in-scotlandfor information guides on the following:Large Scale Pop Up Studios, Studio and Build Space Facilities, Office Space, The people and production base – Filmbang, Film City Glasgow, Pacific Quay. - Scotland is part of the UK and therefore all UK film tax incentives and UK co-production treaties apply in Scotland. For full details of UK film tax relief, cultural test and co-production treaties please contact the BFI.
- Creative Scotland is the national development agency for the arts, screen and creative industries www.creativescotland.com
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Contact: Helen Sim
