Support for screen industries

Only independence offers the powers needed to give meaningful extra support to the screen sector, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop will tell industry members today.

Ms Hyslop will today publish a discussion paper on support options the Scottish Government could make available to the industry under independence and host a reception for the sector at Edinburgh Castle.

The paper sets out the support already available in Scotland and existing UK Tax relief, and outlines tax relief and other incentives available elsewhere.

For example, the Isle of Man provides equity investment and tax credits to film and TV productions through its Media Development Fund, and the Netherlands offers an investment tax incentive for film investment.

The Scottish Government is committed to maintaining increased incentives for screen production should Scotland vote for independence, and to considering further options for support in the first term of Parliament.

Public sector support for the sector in Scotland reached its highest ever level at £21 million in 2012/13, and an announcement on a film studio for Scotland will be made this summer.

But Ms Hyslop will say that only with the full powers of independence can the Scottish Government give the Screen Sector the support it needs to reach its full potential.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Hyslop said:

“Independence for Scotland would offer the opportunity to make a meaningful change in support for the screen sector, by focusing the world’s attention on our nation and giving power over crucial instruments such as fiscal incentives.

“The paper I am publishing today will inform debate on how best to make that happen. It sets out a range of options for support for the sector which are already working across Europe.

“The Scottish Government recognises the huge potential the industry has and is committed to realising this. Following a vote for independence, we would review the package of support available for the sector within the first term of Parliament.

“Only independence offers the range of powers that can make a difference. None of the proposals for more devolution contain anything that would devolve tax powers relating to screen production.

“The successful filming of Outlander in Cumbernauld – Scotland’s largest inward investment in screen – shows that there are no limits to what our industry can achieve, and that there should be no limits to our ambition.

“We have consistently championed Scotland as a location for international film and TV productions and we work hard to ensure Scotland is widely recognised for its world-class talent, crews, facilities and breath taking locations. Scottish Ministers are firmly committed to supporting a sustained increase in production.

“We are a dynamic and creative country and we are ambitious to do more. Our sector lags behind that of nations comparable in size, such as Ireland and Finland.

“We are already taking the action we can to support the industry under present constitutional arrangements – we are currently considering a number of proposals for developing and operating a Scottish film studio.

“But with the powers of independence we could help this vital industry to reach its full potential. Independence would change broadcasting and film for the better, both for the industry and for the public.”