Screen sector benefits from major film

Principal photography for Outlaw King, the new feature film from Scottish director David Mackenzie and one of the biggest productions ever made in Scotland, has completed.

Based on the story of Robert the Bruce, Outlaw King is produced by Glasgow-based Sigma Films, backed by Netflix and funded by the Scottish Government and National Lottery. It was filmed at locations including Craigmillar, Blackness and Doune Castles, Aviemore, Linlithgow Palace and Glencoe.

Outlaw King has brought significant benefits to the growing screen sector. It has provided work for Scottish cast and crew, utilised Scottish locations and facilties, and provided opportunities for 35 trainees.

The production was awarded £500,000 from the Production Growth Fund and another £500,000 from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. 

The Production Growth Fund aims to maintain a steady stream of work for Scottish-based crew by encouraging screen productions to be based in Scotland. It has so far generated £17.5 million for Scotland’s economy – a return of £10 for every £1 invested. 

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop visited the set at Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh, where she met cast, crew and production trainees.

Ms Hyslop said:

“We know that encouraging film and TV productions to base themselves in Scotland generates significant returns for the Scottish economy and opportunities for our skilled crew.  A major production like Outlaw King brings huge benefits to the whole screen sector, as well as related businesses.

“Having our stunning locations featured in screen productions also increases tourism. Some of the locations featured in “Outlander” have seen visitor numbers increase significantly – Doune Castle recorded an increase of 91% since being featured in the series.

“Total production spend on film and TV in Scotland has increased by more than 200% since 2007, and I’m delighted to welcome Outlaw King as the latest chapter in this great success story.”

Gillian Berrie, Producer of Outlaw King, said:

“Creative Scotland have really supported the development of Sigma and Outlaw King – one of the biggest home grown films ever to be made in Scotland.  We are grateful for their continued support and delighted that Scotland and its people will benefit from the legacy of this for years to come.

"Sigma Films are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and to that end have employed 35 trainees on Outlaw King working across all departments.”

Nicola Braid, Camera Trainee, who met Ms Hyslop on her visit, said:  

“It has been an incredible experience working on the biggest film in Scotland. I have learnt more than I can say from director of photography Barry Ackroyd and Director David Mackenzie. I have never worked so hard and had so much fun in my life."

Natalie Usher, Director of Screen at Creative Scotland said: 

“We are delighted that Netflix is backing David’s next feature, Outlaw King, and we are proud to have supported the project in both development and now with awards from the Production Growth Fund and the Screen Fund.

“This exciting project, from one of Scotland’s leading production companies, about one of Scotland’s most iconic historical figures, provides the ideal opportunity to promote Scotland’s rich history, the ambition and talent of our filmmakers, and Scotland’s ability to develop and produce films of an epic scale with an ability to engage an international audience.”

Background

The Production Growth Fund (PGF) is funded by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery, with an allocation of £3.25m for the period to March 2018. The PGF provides a financial incentive to major international productions basing themselves in Scotland, as well as increasing funding available for Scottish-based producers to anchor more of their production work here. The PGF is helping to create significant employment opportunities for Scottish-based crew, encourages the use of Scottish-based production facilities and delivers a direct and significant economic benefit to Scotland.

Written by David Mackenzie, Bash Doran (“Boardwalk Empire”), James MacInnes, Mark Bomback, and acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower (Una), Outlaw King’s lead producer is Glasgow-based Sigma Films.  The film which follows the battle between King of Scots, Robert the Bruce - The Outlaw King (Chris Pine) and King of England Edward I (Stephen Dillane). It also stars Scottish actors James Cosmo, Tony Curran, Steven Cree, Chris Fulton and Alistair Mackenzie.  

Sigma Films - Founded in 1996 by Gillian Berrie and David Mackenzie, Glasgow-based Sigma Films is the leading independent producer of prestigious, quality film and TV drama that challenges audiences, genre, and convention, and consistently delivers critically acclaimed work. Credits include David Mackenzie’s Last Great Wilderness, Hallam Foe, Perfect Sense, Starred Up and Damnation.