Call for tax breaks to aid film productions

A SENIOR Scottish television executive is to call for tax breaks for the creative industries arguing that Scotland could follow the example of the Republic of Ireland in benefiting from the filming of lavish costume dramas.

In a speech to delegates, STV’s director of content Alan Clements will argue that the media is still too London-centric and will talk about the importance of keeping a distinctive Scottish voice alive in the digital and global age.

At a Publishing Scotland conference in Edinburgh tomorrow, Clements, husband of BBC broadcaster Kirsty Wark, will suggest that the move towards more powers for Holyrood could provide an opportunity for creating a tax system similar to the Irish model. The Republic has recently been the chosen location for several major productions – such The Tudors – because of its low tax regime. In certain circumstances, income earned by writers, composers, visual artists and sculptors from the sale of their works is exempt from tax in Ireland.

In his speech, Clements will say: “I do believe there’s a role for government. Whatever the outcome of the Referendum campaign, we are clearly on a road to greater autonomy in Scotland. The government can play a positive role in the creative industries and all of us in the creative industries can in turn play in a role in our developing sense of ourselves. With greater powers, there’s a lot more that can be done.

“Look at the massive impact the filming of The Tudors in the Republic of Ireland or Game Of Thrones in Northern Ireland has had on their indigenous industries.

“This is not a call for greater government subsidy – far from it. But judicious investment, for a return, and a well targeted fiscal policy including tax breaks could reinvigorate the creative industries of Scotland.”

Clements will also say that although there is now more TV production in Scotland than ever, he will say that he cannot “recall a time in my life when Scotland was so little portrayed on Scottish screens”.

The Scottish Government last night offered to meet with Clements to discuss his suggestion.

A spokesman for the Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Alan Clements is absolutely right to point out how the opportunities to offer tax incentives would allow Scotland to boost the arts and our creative sector. We would be delighted to meet with him.”