Scots aware of effects of pirating on film industry

FORTY per cent of Scots admit downloading unofficial copies of films and TV programmes.

A survey found 33 per cent of Scots believe buying pirate DVDs or downloading unofficial copies would mean fewer films or TV programmes made in the future.

Nearly half of Scots believe that buying a cinema ticket, DVD or legal download helps support Britain's film industry.

A spokeswoman for Scottish Screen said: "There is a higher incidence of movie-going here than in any other part of the UK, so it comes as no surprise that Scots are the most aware when it comes to piracy."

The figures emerged as the film industry launched a new campaign this week to further discourage pirate sales of DVDs and illegal downloads.

New trailers showing a link between buying movie tickets and the production of new films will be shown in UK cinema screens from Friday.