Scottish Govt Announces PGF Funding

The Scottish Government has further increased its support for film and TV production in Scotland, through the Production Growth Funding (PGF) awards.

'Hush', which is a paranormal horror, as well as ITV mini-series 'Muncie' are both to share PGF awards, totalling £553,966. The funding, which is from the Scottish Government, is administered by Creative Scotland to successful productions.

'Hush' has been awarded £303,966 in funding. It is being produced by Brian Coffey from Glasgow-based Sigma Films and Thruline Entertainment's Danny Sherman, in partnership with Catalyst Global Media and Creative Scotland. It stars Celia Imrie (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Calendar Girls), Ben Lloyd-Hughes (Insurgent, Divergent) and Florence Pugh (Marcella). Olaf de Fleur is the director. Filming has already commenced at locations in Scotland. Embankment Films will handle worldwide sales on Hush.

Meanwhile, 'Muncie' (w/t) is a three-part crime mini-series for ITV. It has received £250,000 of support and will produced by World Productions and Finlaggan Films. Filming is expected to being in Scotland later this month. Written by Nick Stevens, the series will be directed by John Strickland.
The PGF aims to attract and grow film production in Scotland, creating employment opportunities, encouraging the use of production facilities companies and delivering significant economic benefit.

Commenting on the investment, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "We know that investment in screen can bring great rewards: more jobs, further growth, attract outside investment, and ultimately bolster Scotland's international reputation. Awards such as the Production Growth Fund are important because they anchor productions here, in Scotland. The PGF helps talented producers finance projects, and in turn, it has a direct investment in our workforce, growing our creative sector. Looking at 'Hush', and other major film productions such as Trainspotting and Churchill, alongside ITV's three-part TV mini-series, this fund is supporting the screen sector in Scotland and delivering against its aim."

Brian Coffey commented: "I'm delighted to be making this truly international film here in Scotland thanks to the incredible support of Creative Scotland and Scottish Government. Funding from the Production Growth Fund has allowed us to retain the entire shoot in Scotland, removing the need to go elsewhere to access funding and that means that more money goes where it should, on the screen. Glasgow is one of the easiest cities in the world to work in; its 19th century architecture and parks are a visual treat and its crews are world class."

Natalie Usher, Director of Screen at Creative Scotland, added: "We are very proud to support Brian and the team at Sigma and Thruline in the production of 'Hush' and to realise this exciting project completely in Scotland. We are also delighted to be able to support the production of the forthcoming three-part ITV series, 'Muncie'. One of the key aims of the Production Growth Fund is to support Scottish producers as well as attract production into Scotland. Demand for the fund has been extremely high and the projects supported so far will not only further raise the profile of Scotland as an international destination for filmmakers, but also support our world-class craft and technical talent."

(JP/MH)