With its stunning scenery from lochs to mountains, coast and islands, Argyll and Bute has built a reputation for offering some of the best scenery in the UK to the film and TV industry.
A report to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure (ED&I) Committee on Thursday highlighted how COVID-19 has directly impacted the number and size productions coming into the area.
From January 2020 to January 2021, the council received 91 film enquiries and there have been 21 productions filmed during the year. This led to a local production spend of £310, 000. Compared to the 2019 estimated local production spend of just over £1 million, the figures reflect the impact of Covid on the screen industries.
Filming is still going ahead on a number of projects with large scale productions planned for later in the year. The council’s film office continues to provide support and guidance to production companies working under current Scottish Government restrictions and industry guidelines.
Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for Business, Regeneration and Commercial Development:
“People who live in Argyll and Bute know we have some of the finest scenery and we are incredibly proud to showcase the area to a global audience. Filming not only brings in economic benefits, it also brings opportunities to promote and market the area.
There is no denying that the pandemic has impacted on so many aspects of life and the screen industry is no exception. Despite obvious challenges, we are encouraged to see continued interest in using Argyll and Bute as a backdrop for so many productions and can’t wait to share just some of the exciting projects lined up later on in the year. ”
For more information about filming in Argyll and Bute visit www.filminargyll.co.uk or email filminargyll@argyll-bute.gov.uk