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Bob Last and Jason Connery
Photo: Stewart Attwood
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First Stage Studios Ltd has been appointed to a run a a large-scale film and TV studio space in Edinburgh’s Port of Leith.
The company, led by Sean Connery's actor/director son Jason and BAFTA-winning producer and former Edinburgh Film Festival chairman Bob Last, will receive a £1 million investment from Screen Scotland towards the set-up and refurbishment of the space.
A Screen Scotland statement said :"This is a major step forward in Scotland’s ability to take advantage of the global boom in high-end TV and film production."
Connery added: “There is no question Scotland needs a film studio, I could not be more excited to be involved in bringing it to fruition.”
The studio space in Edinburgh has already hosted major international productions, including Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said: “This announcement represents a great step forward in Scotland’s ambition to drive growth across all aspects of the film and TV sector.
“Having a studio of this scale will provide a home in Scotland for film and high-end TV productions, generate significant revenue for Scotland’s wider economy and support sustainable careers across the film and TV industry from writers, producers and directors to those working in craft and technical areas.”
Screen Scotland’s Executive Director Isabel Davis added: “The studio is key in expanding film and TV production in Scotland. We’re delighted to be working with First Stage Studios to bring it to life. Bob and Jason bring a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge that is invaluable to the development of the studio.
“Scotland is internationally renowned for its world-class talent, crews, facilities and breath-taking locations, this facility means we can raise the visibility of Scotland on screen, anchor more film and high-end television productions in Scotland and capitalise on the global boom in the industry.”
Last said: "We look forward to building on the strong interest already expressed by international and UK customers. We are grateful to Screen Scotland for their commitment to an ambitious film and television sector and look forward to contributing to its development."
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Aerial photo of the studio
Photo: Courtesy of Screen Scotland
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