TV & Film production
Did you know that after London, the highest level of
film, television and animation production in the UK takes
place in Scotland.
There are currently over 100 production companies, 300
facilities operators and about 15,000 people employed in the
industry in Scotland - with a central hub of expertise and activity
based in Glasgow. Indeed, the Creative Clyde area is teeming with
television talent, as well as radio and film production units.
For example, the world-famous BBC has its Scottish headquarters in a shiny,
impressive-looking building on the banks of the Clyde, whilst
Scottish Television's (STV) HQ is based next door and Channel 4 is
not far away in the city centre.
Scotland's smaller production companies have a history of
attracting the attention of major global film and television
companies. Many of these companies, such as Shed
Media, The Comedy Unit and Raise the Roof Productions, are based here.
The BBC's commitment to relocate programme production out of
London is benefitting Scotland's television industry, as several
major cultural, political and entertainment programmes are moved
north of the border. This is an exciting time to be a part of the
Scottish broadcast sector.
Music, events & entertainment
Glasgow's buzzing music scene and creative culture is complemented
by a range of home-grown companies which help to keep the scene
alive.
For example, Capital Radio broadcasts hit music across
Central Scotland from their central spot beside the Clyde.
The SECC,
Scotland's national exhibition centre, encompasses five monstrous
exhibition halls. Some of the world's biggest bands have played
here - everyone from Elton John to Elbow. The exhibition space
regularly plays host to large corporate and entertainment
events.
Glasgow is also home to Scotland's newest and largest music and
entertainment venue, the
SSE Hydro. The venue plays host to national and international
music mega stars as well as global entertainment and sporting
events.
The Glasgow Science Centre may just
be the most futuristic-looking structure in Scotland. The buildings
include a science mall, planetarium, tower and IMAX theatre.
Technology
Scotland has successfully maintained its reputation for excellence
in electronics and technology throughout the extreme evolution of
this constantly-changing sector. In fact, in terms of sectors such
as games development and software, Scotland is turning into a
world-leader and is successfully adapting to industry needs.
BIP
Solutions, which acts as the middle man between the public and
private sector by creating software solutions and consultancy
services, is based opposite the BBC building.
Buro
Happold, which is also nearby, is a successful worldwide
engineering design company at the forefront of the Scottish
construction industry.
Design/Academia
Nowhere is quite as hip and kooky as Glasgow School of
Art - apart from maybe its postgraduate research centre, the Digital Design Studio (DDS).
The Art School is internationally recognised as one of Europe's
foremost university-level institutions for creative education and
research.
The highly intense learning environment at the DDS marries
science, technology and art at The Hub. The research facility
houses some of Europe's largest laboratory space for virtual
reality, immersive stereo visualization and high-resolution display
facilities.