New Stirling studios offer chance for youngsters hoping to break into film industry

Local young people are being offered a stepping stone into a new era for Stirling at the heart of Scotland’s film and TV industry.

Earlier this year it was revealed that Stirling Studios was being created on the former MoD site at Forthside, paving the way for an expected 4000 local jobs over the next 25 years when it pulls in production teams and big name networks.

The base - also known as Forthside Barracks - was built as an ordnance depot in 1899 and was purchased by Stirling Council for £5million in March this year.

The site will continue to be owned by the council but an operator will be appointed to run the studios and the project hoping to attract both UK and global productions and screen stars.

While other studios exist in Scotland the Stirling venture is being seen as “the missing piece” because of its scale and opportunity for larger sets and industry feedback has already been overwhelmingly positive, with some having already visited and tested out the site.

The studios are also expected to create opportunities for locals from a young age to pursue creative careers.

Now a new School Partnership course – at SCQF Level 5/6 - for senior phase pupils from secondary schools across Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk will begin in August 2024, and be delivered by Forth Valley College’s expert Creative Industries staff.

The pilot SQA Film and Screen Award forms part of Screen Scotland’s draft Film and Screen Curriculum, has already started recruiting, is funded by Screen Scotland and will last for a full academic year with pupils attending from school for up to five hours through the week (Fridays).

Colin Gunning from FVC’s Creative Industries Department, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the necessary funding to be able to offer these exciting new courses.

“We firmly believe that this development of opportunity and provision for a future skilled workforce is vital to the long term success of productions in the area.

“Forth Valley College’s long term vision is to be at the forefront of training for the Film and Screen industry in Scotland and we are convinced this new Film and Screen Award will help this come to fruition.”

Fi Milligan-Rennie, Head of Education -Screen at Screen Scotland, said: “The Level 6 Film and Screen Award is a brand-new qualification, created as part of the Screen Scotland draft Film and Screen Curriculum and accredited by SQA. The qualification is in its pilot phase and is designed to support learners to understand more about the practical process of making film and screen products, the roles available within the film and screen industries and what it is like to work as part of a crew to make a film or screen product.

“Screen Scotland is supporting Forth Valley College to test this pilot qualification as part of their Schools Partnership offer in 2024/25.

“Following the announcement of Stirling Studios, this work presents a unique opportunity for learners across Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire to participate in this practical filmmaking programme in a further education setting.”

It is anticipated that the delivery model for the SQA Level 5 & 6 Film and Screen Award will replicate that of a functioning production team, allowing learners to experience a range of craft and technical roles including, construction, make-up artistry, costume and set design.

The delivery model will be project based with learners acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills and meta-skills in a highly vocational setting, working to initiate, plan and produce a short film(s).

The course will be led by existing FVC staff who have the appropriate expertise and industry experience. Delivery will be enhanced by a programme of guest speakers, workshops and visits.

The course is aimed at senior phase school pupils, but FVC would also welcome any interest from those who have just left school.

Anyone interested in the Film and Screen Award should email: colin.gunning@forthvalley.ac.uk. For teachers who may be interested in the delivery of the Film and Screen Award and associated training opportunities email Fi.Milligan-Rennie@creativescotland.com.