Inverclyde has earned £10,000 from various film productions, showcasing its charm while balancing local business impacts from filming activities.
Inverclyde: A recent freedom of information request revealed that production companies have paid over £11,000 to film in the area since 2020. This includes popular shows like Shetland and Annika.
While the council sees this as a great way to promote Inverclyde, there are concerns about how filming affects local businesses. Some shops have struggled with road closures during shoots.
The BBC’s Shetland has been the most frequent visitor, filming in spots like the Esplanade and the Tontine Hotel. Last year alone, the council issued 11 traffic regulation orders for filming.
In 2021, the Beacon Arts Centre was transformed into a police station for Annika, starring Nicola Walker. More recently, Bollywood came to town with a film that featured dramatic stunts.
Local actress Jiyaa Shankar was spotted filming a crowd scene for her movie, which drew hundreds of extras to Clyde Square. It’s clear that Inverclyde is becoming a popular filming destination.
Some roads, like Lochwinnoch Road, have seen the most filming activity, with six traffic orders since 2020. The council believes filming not only showcases the area but also supports local businesses.
They emphasize that while they don’t charge for filming, there are costs for road closures. The council aims to balance the needs of filmmakers with the local community.
Overall, the growth of the film industry in Scotland is seen as a positive, and Inverclyde is eager to be part of that success.
