Crews filming in Scotland told to hire local as industry booms

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-30T17:10:34.097Z • Permanent link

Scotland's vibrant screen industry is booming, with film crews flocking to the country's picturesque landscapes to capture breathtaking scenes. However, behind the glamour of Hollywood-style productions lies a pressing issue: the lack of local talent. Crews filming in Scotland are being told to hire local workers, sparking concerns about the country's economic competitiveness. The call to action comes as the Scottish Government ramps up its efforts to support the screen sector, which has become a significant contributor to the country's GDP.

Crews from major film production companies, including Netflix and Disney, have been filming in Scotland's stunning landscapes, from the rugged Highlands to the scenic coastlines. However, a significant proportion of these productions are not creating jobs for Scottish workers. According to a recent report by the Scottish Film Talent Network, only a fraction of production staff are Scottish themselves. This has led to calls for greater support for local talent, with some producers arguing that hiring Scottish workers would not only boost the local economy but also bring a unique perspective to productions.

Industry insiders point to the success of Scottish production companies, such as Tiger Aspect Productions, which has produced hit shows like "Keeping Faith" and "Line of Duty". These companies have demonstrated that Scotland has the talent, expertise, and resources to produce high-quality content. However, the industry still faces significant challenges, including a lack of funding and infrastructure. To address these challenges, the Scottish Government has launched a series of initiatives aimed at supporting local talent and increasing production capacity.

The lack of local talent in Scotland's screen industry has significant implications for the country's economic competitiveness. As the industry continues to grow, it is essential that Scottish workers are given the opportunity to participate. This is not only a matter of fairness but also a key driver of economic growth. Research has shown that local talent can bring a unique perspective and expertise to productions, resulting in higher-quality content that is more likely to attract international investment.

Companies that fail to hire local workers risk missing out on the benefits of working with Scottish talent. Research communities, such as the Scottish Film Talent Network, are already working to support local workers and provide training and development opportunities. However, more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that are driving the lack of local talent. The Scottish Government's initiatives to support local talent are a step in the right direction, but more investment is needed to ensure that the industry can thrive.

The lack of local talent in Scotland's screen industry is not an isolated issue. Similar challenges are being faced by other countries, including the United States and Australia, which are also struggling to attract and retain local talent. The rise of global streaming platforms has created new opportunities for productions to be made outside of traditional hubs, such as Los Angeles and London. However, this has also created new challenges, as producers must navigate complex regulatory environments and ensure that productions meet the high standards of global audiences.