Outlander effect boosts economic value of film to Glasgow

Hit TV series such as Outlander and major Hollywood blockbusters like World War Z have helped contribute £250 million to the Glasgow economy over the last two decades.

Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in Outlander, one of several high-profile productions to be partly filmed in Glasgow. Picture: Contributed

A report has examined the work of the city’s film office, which was established by the local authority in 1997, and the role it has played in attracting production companies to the west of Scotland.

Some of the most notable productions to be have been made in Glasgow in recent years include the films World War Z, Cloud Atlas, Red Road and the forthcoming Trainspotting 2, as well as the television productions Outlander, The Replacement, Shetland and the soon-to-broadcast Rillington Place.

Glasgow Film Office (GFO) was established with the aim of promoting Glasgow as a ‘film-friendly’ city, and acts as a one-stop shop for productions filming or wishing to film in the area.

Members of the public gather in Cochrane Street, Glasgow, to watch the filming of World War Z in 2011. Picture: Robert Perry/TSPL

Support for productions is also available from the GFO, including a grant - capped at £7,500 - towards hiring local equipment or facilities, and this support has proved worthwhile, with four of the productions receiving this over the past couple of years contributing £2million or more to the city’s economy.

“The continuing success of the council’s Glasgow Film Office in bringing film and broadcast productions to the city is something to be celebrated,” said Councillor George Redmond, executive member for business and investment at Glasgow City Council.

“Not only have the team made a huge economic impact over a sustained period, Glasgow has enjoyed national and international exposure in these productions and shown itself to be open for business.”