Scottish Borders launch film production promotion

On Friday August 15 The Scottish Borders Consulate will open for business at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, aiming to introduce the region as a filming location to the gathering of international filmmakers and to encourage them to discover more about a region which is described as "Scotland ’s best kept secret."
The Scottish Borders Consulate will use the opportunity to launch a new website to entrance and advise filmmakers, www.scotbordersfilm.com, as well as a new Filming Charter, Code of Conduct and Environment Friendly Filming checklist.
The Partners of the New Ways Forum; Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Enterprise Borders and the Scottish Borders Tourist Board have developed the charter in conjunction with Scottish Borders Film Focus, the region's film office. Although the Borders already have a strong reputation of supporting visiting film productions, the local authorities want to formally express their commitment and communicate a positive message to the media industry.
Councillor Neil Calvert, portfolio spokesman for Economic Development and Environmental Planning at Scottish Borders Council said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Scottish Borders Film Website and Film Charter. Not only does this prove our dedication to bringing the cultural and economic benefits of filming to the local community, but also that we are a progressive, forward-thinking region which wishes to promote its excellent standards of service.”
Cllr Calvert went on to announce that a wider strategy to help develop the creative capacity of the region is currently in development.
Details of the new package of information will be sent as an advertisement to major film and TV production companies in the UK and worldwide with the hope of attracting more productions such as the recent 'Edwardian Country House', Granada ’s 'Dinosaur Hunters', 'Witch Craze' and films such as 'The House of Mirth', 'Mrs Brown' and 'The Little Vampire'.
Nigel Watson, Director of Business Infrastructure, Scottish Enterprise Borders, said: “The Scottish Borders benefits not only culturally from filming based here, but also economically, with spend on accommodation, locations, crew and services thereby helping to sustain local businesses and provide temporary work for extras.
Filming helps put the Borders on the map and helps to encourage other investments. We are therefore delighted to be involved with the Film Charter and initiatives such as the new website which will encourage productions to come and film in the Scottish Borders."
(GB)