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 | | Thursday, 9 May, 2002, 15:38 GMT 16:38 UK Putting Scotland in the picture  Hopes are high that a proposed new film studio will boost the number of movies made in Scotland. Highland Council has approved an application from the London-based production company run by the ex-Eurythmics musician Dave Stewart. The �20m project could lure at least two major feature films to the area next year. The plans for a film studio in Inverness were born after the Highlands were used as the backdrop for a number of Hollywood blockbusters. Three phases More than �30m has been spent on film-making in the area in recent years, including successful movies like Loch Ness, Mrs Brown, Rob Roy and Braveheart. It is estimated that the movie business is worth �4m a year to the Highlands. The need for studio and post-production facilities became clear because most film-makers are forced to finish their features outwith Scotland.
The application before Highland Council on Thursday was submitted by musician Dave Stewart's London production company. It sought consent to build a film studio, media centre and hotel on the outskirts of Inverness. It is proposed that the complex be built in three phases, with the aim of having the studio available for use by the end of the year. Cannes promotion Trish Shorthouse, from Highlands Film Commission, said: "There are a lot of new projects on the cards and if we are able to offer studio facilities for the future, that will be of great benefit. "We have one specific project which I can't say anything about but the director and producer involved are very interested to hear what's happening with the studio." The Highlands plan will be promoted at next week's Cannes Film Festival. | |
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