Grampian Film Office launch announced

North-east Scotland is stepping up its efforts to attract blockbuster films to the area with the launch of the first film office in the Grampian region.
The office will highlight the attractions of the region in terms of stunning scenery, period buildings, ancient castles and golf courses and position it as a location for films, TV, advertisements and photo-shoots.
The most high profile films to be shot in Grampian so far have been 'Local Hero' and 'Hamlet', starring Mel Gibson. The BBC TV series ‘All Along The Watch Tower’ was also filmed in the region and a Swedish detective series is to be filmed in Banff and Buchan in August.
Joyce Ogilvie, who has extensive experience in film production, has been appointed as the first Grampian film commissioner. Ms Ogilvie, a local film-maker who had her comedy ‘Tagged’ shown at the International Film Festival in Cannes three years ago, has recently helped out with documentaries filmed in the area on Annie Lennox and Evelyn Glennie.
Ms Ogilvie commented: “Although there has been quite a lot of film activity locally in the past, we have not made anything of it. We need to be more pro-active and let production companies know that in addition to our stunning, dramatic scenery the area possesses a wealth of creative and technical talent too. We want to develop the recognition of Aberdeen as a hotbed of creativity and to encourage local young film-makers, help get them up and running.”
Ms Ogilvie also hopes the concentration of golf courses in the region will prove a draw: “Golf courses offer an uninterrupted expanse free of telephone lines and electricity pylons and are often in demand as the backdrop for period films. We have 53 courses in Grampian, so film-makers will be spoilt for choice.”
In addition to providing a presence along with Scottish Screen at key industry events such as the Edinburgh International Film Festival and Media Guardian International Television Festival, the Film Office will provide skills and talent workshops for aspiring film producers, a programme of talks from industry experts and, in partnership with the councils, a series of projects for children.
A partnership between Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise Grampian, along with stakeholders Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board, Aberdeen City Council and Scottish Screen, the Grampian Film Office will fill a major gap as it becomes part of a national network of film offices established around Scotland.
(GB)