"Scotland could become an international film making powerhouse," said Alex Salmond at a Glasgow Film Festival event focused on country's burgeoning industry. Several Scottish filmmakers were in attendance but the First Miniser addressed his comments more widely, calling for international investment in a country "well known for creative film-making talent."
The Scottish industry has scored recent successes with films like Perfect Sense, Neds and You Instead, as well as hosting the production of big budget Hollywood films like World War Z. It is fast becoming a location of choice for filmmakers from the US and across Europe. Scottish writers and directors, who once migrated to London or Los Angeles, are increasingly choosing to work on their native soil.
"Scotland has the talent and the capacity to create more films right here and be a centre of production for the industry," said Salmond.