Salmond calls for international cash to make Scotland a film powerhouse

First Minister Alex Salmond is seeking international investment to make Scotland a “production powerhouse” for the film industry.

Mr Salmond joined culture secretary Fiona Hyslop to host a get-together for potential investors as part of the Glasgow Film Festival, aiming to get more movies made in Scotland.

He said: “Scotland is well known already for its creative film-making talent and for being a fantastic location for moviemakers from all over the world. But we also have the potential to be a production powerhouse ourselves.

“Scotland has the talent and the capacity to create more films right here and be a centre of production for the film industry.

“The crucial next step is to attract more international film finance to Scotland. Bringing together potential film investors with talented Scottish film-makers at the Glasgow Film Festival is another signal of our commitment to supporting the home-grown film industry and to putting Scotland on the big screen.”

Scottish writer Mark Millar said: “Historically, you had to live in LA to work in Hollywood, but technology means we can do this from anywhere. Millarworld alone has six big-budget features with the studios, and I haven’t been in LA for over three years.

“But it doesn’t all have to be massive-budget fare,” he added, “A good movie can make back 100 times the initial investment. All you need is a good idea, and Scottish creators are hardly short of good ideas.”