Analysis: What does Brad Pitt's movie World War Z and Waterloo Road mean for Glasgow's media industry?
With the announcement on Tuesday that BBC show Waterloo Road is being moved to Glasgow, and with filming of Brand Pitt zombie film World War Z well underway in George Square, The Drum looks at the affect that moves like these can have on an area, in terms of media and production.
Glasgow has definitely become more media-centric over the past decade, with BBC and STV studios opening at Pacific Quay in the last decade.
The news announced this week that Shed Productions would be moving the filming of BBC’s Waterloo Road to Glasgow, which could create 230 jobs ranging from script to screen, was another feather in the cap of the city's media; especially as it was announced on the same day that the Scottish Government announced a £1.4 million funding package for training and developing in television and digital media.
Combined with the filming for zombie film World War Z, currently taking place in Glasgow’s George Square, which is expected to lead to a £2 million tourism boost, does this mean that the future for production and media in Scotland is getting brighter, despite budget cuts?
Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, told The Drum: “Glasgow’s reputation as a first-class filming destination is spreading both nationally and internationally. It is a real credit to the city and its film and broadcast industry that productions are increasingly choosing to locate in Glasgow.
“The city's popularity has never been more apparent with filming of Hollywood blockbuster World War Z taking place in and around the area and its success is sure to attract productions of a similar size in the future. Already Glasgow's appeal as a production location has received an additional boost with the recent announcement that popular BBC drama Waterloo Road will relocate here next year, bringing with it over 200 jobs and an economic impact of £25 million.
“Providing the location for both big budget movies and successful BBC dramas generates considerable economic benefit as well as positioning Glasgow on the global stage and highlighting the city's passion and expertise in the film and television industry.”
So the moves will improve the marketability of Glasgow, at least in the sense of tourism. But what will it mean for the production industry?
Simon Mallinson, founder and managing director at Scottish production company MTP, discussed the what the moves might mean: “In the short term we may find it a bit inconvenient because big jobs like Waterloo road have a habit of scooping up the best crew and putting them on long term contracts, which means they are not available to us but in the long run it’s great for the industry. The talent base gets bigger and more experienced.
“They learn an enormous amount from jobs like World War Z and they bring that knowledge back to the table when they do their next job for us.”
With the BBC wanting to expand out from London, could Glasgow become an alternative to Manchester’s MediaCity? Please let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.