By Bill Heaney
Scottish film-makers will benefit from a new tax break designed to boost the independent film industry announced by the UK Labour government.
The Independent Film Tax Credit will give first-time productions with a budget of up to £23.5 million tax relief of 53 percent on the first £15 million spent.
To support the UK Government’s commitment on more distinctly home-grown content and talent, for films to meet the criteria for this new relief, productions eligible for the tax break must have a UK writer or director, or be certified as an official UK co-production.
In 2021, the broad screen sector in Scotland employed the equivalent of 10,940 full-time workers and contributed £627.1million to the economy, with Glasgow emerging as a significant film industry hub.
The news of the tax break has been welcomed by film industry workers including Amy Jackson, the Scottish-born producer of Oscar-nominated film Aftersun.
Neil Bibby, right, Scottish Labour’s spokesperson for Culture, said: “This UK Labour Government tax break is blockbuster news for the Scottish film industry which is a vital part of Brand Scotland.
“Our homegrown film-makers have put Scotland on big screens across the world while supporting thousands of jobs and driving economic growth.
“This tax break will pay dividends both culturally and economically, inspire the next generation of talent across the country, deliver more great Scottish content, and sustain a world-leading industry here in Scotland and the wider UK.”
Productions qualifying for the relief must have started principal photography on or after 1 April 2024, and only expenditure incurred on or after 1 April 2024 can be claimed.
The statutory instruments will be laid on 9 October and will take effect from 30 October, which is the date from which the BFI certification unit can begin accepting applications.
Amy Jackson, left, producer of Aftersun, said: “This is a vital intervention for the UK industry, which I wholeheartedly welcome.
“Making British indie films is tough, but this enhanced tax relief means that as a producer I now have crucial support to explicitly focus on bringing incredible stories by British talent to the big screen while building out exciting co-production opportunities.
“The IFTC will make UK indie film a more attractive investment prospect for international partners and co-producers facilitating more creative collaboration and bringing much needed backing to the independent sector across the board.”
Jackie Baillie, MSP for the Dumbarton constituency, right, said: “News of this UK Labour Government tax break presents a new attraction for the Scottish film industry, which is a growing and vital part of Brand Scotland.
“I recognise the importance of this, given that my Dumbarton constituency is home to the BBC’s Dumbarton studio, where productions including River City are filmed.
“It has also brought a taste of the industry to the area, with locations close to my office also being used as the backdrop for scenes in popular BBC Drama, Shetland.”
“The Scottish film and creative industry is a vital part of Brand Scotland.
“Our homegrown film-makers have shown Scotland at its best, on big screens across the world, while supporting thousands of jobs and driving economic growth.
“This tax break will help to inspire the next generation of talent, deliver more great Scottish content and sustain a world-leading industry here in Dumbarton and Scotland.”
Top of page picture is of Amy Jackson with fellow producers of Scottish films.