THIS week Scottish Borders Film Focus have been showcasing Scottish Borders and Lothian locations to a group of five top-ranking, London based location managers with credits to their names in feature films, TV dramas and commercials including Absolutely Fabulous, Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason, Cracker and Monarch of the Glen.
Production liaison manager for Scottish Borders Film Focus, Ros Davis said: "The Scottish Borders is often described as one of Scotland's best-kept secrets. Film Focus is working hard to make sure that key decision makers in the film and TV world dis
cover the beautiful mansion houses, castles, and stunning scenery that the Scottish Borders and Lothians have available.
"We want to make sure this area will be in their minds when they need to find locations for the next big filming project."
With generous support from Scottish Borders Council, East Lothian and Midlothian Council and GNER and sponsorship from VisitScotland the trip will include tours of Manderston, St Abbs, Cove, Traquair House, Glen House, Dryburgh Abbey, Floors Castle, Borthwick Castle and Winton House.
The familiarisation visit is part of an ongoing programme of initiatives developed by Film Focus to promote the area to filmmakers. The film office is now well established and recognised as providing an excellent free service which helps productions to find the perfect location, crew or service.
Fiona Drane, area director of VisitScotland Borders said: "We were delighted when we heard that Film Focus was repeating their annual FAM trip for film location managers to the Scottish Borders.
"Filming in the area is undoubtedly a wonderful way to showcase the Borders and in fact Scotland as a whole, as a tourist destination to viewers across the world, giving potential visitors a chance to find out more about the Scottish Borders.
"The area can provide a stunning backdrop for television programmes and films capturing our outstanding landscapes, historic abbeys, towns and villages."
Film Focus report that enquiry levels are growing. Recent successes include The Da Vinci Code that filmed in Rossyln Chapel, Midlothian, an event that helped raise the profile of the area enormously. Driving Lessons, starring Julie Walters filmed around the countryside at St Marys Loch and a German production Summer Solstice shot throughout the Lothians in July
2005 has been a busy year following on from the success of CBBC's Shoebox Zoo, which has been a huge hit with kids and adults alike and Film Focus is confident that 2006 will not disappoint either.
Bryan McGrath head of economic development at Scottish Borders Council, said: "The Partners of the New Ways Forum; Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Enterprise Borders and VisitScotland recognise the importance of working together in conjunction with projects such as Scottish Borders Film Focus, the region's film office.
"Although the Borders already has a strong reputation of supporting visiting film productions, the local authorities want to formally express their commitment and communicate a positive message to the media industry."
Nigel Watson, director of business infrastructure, Scottish Enterprise Borders, added: "The Scottish Borders benefits not only culturally from filming based here, but also economically, with spend on accommodation, locations, crew and services thereby helping to sustain local businesses and provide temporary work for extras.
"Filming helps put the Borders on the map and helps to encourage other investments. We are therefore delighted to be involved with the Film Charter and initiatives such as the new website which will encourage productions to come and film in the Scottish Borders."
