Mystery film production could boost Argyll and Bute economy

The income from the production – whose identity is being kept confidential for the time being – would add to more than £1 million generated for the area’s economy through film and TV productions set in the area during 2018.

A new report which went before councillors on Thursday says that more than 40 productions have been shot in the area since the trial of a charging schedule, known as ‘Film in Argyll and Bute’, began in August 2018.

Of those, 11 have entered into a film location agreement with the council, bringing in a total of £7,805 in commercial and statutory fees.

But the council’s executive director with responsibility for economic growth, Pippa Milne, has revealed that the overall value of the filming which took place in the area last year came to £1,088,500.

Ms Milne says in her report: “It should be noted that the council are yet to enter into a formal agreement with a large production company which could potentially raise an income of £1,000 per day in commercial fees for the use of one of the council’s assets.

“Economic development will continue to promote the council’s assets as potential locations to forthcoming enquires where appropriate.

“However, the income generated by filming is entirely industry led and therefore cannot be accurately projected and figures are expected to vary annually.”

Ms Milne added: “The charging schedule highlights opportunities to make better use of the council’s assets for the purpose of filming by production companies and individuals looking to film in Argyll and Bute.

“It was adopted to ensure that the council can continue to offer the film industry a flexible range of location options which are fit for purpose.

“It is also important that the council developed a structured transparent process when dealing with filming on our assets to ensure the service provides a fair approach to charging to avoid uncertainty and delay with enquiries.

“The key focus continues to be how the council can improve the service it is providing to the industry.

“The purpose of the council providing a service to the screen industry is to ensure that we continue to attract inward investment into Argyll and Bute and take advantage of any economic opportunities that may arise as a result of a production filming in the area.”