Frequently Asked Questions - Film
To find out more about Culture, Fishing, Golf, Walking, Cycling, Outdoor, Film, Roots (genealogy) and Wildlife in the Hebrides, run your cursor over the logo menu at the top of this page to link in to nine websites dedicated to each! You'll find specific FAQs for each topic within each of the web sites.
What facilities are available for filming in the Hebrides?
Why do people come here to film?
What about Transport to the Islands?
Are there any cinemas in the islands?
Where can I get help finding film locations in the Hebrides?
What facilities are available for filming in the Hebrides?
It is not just fantastic scenery and stunning locations that the Hebrides has to offer. There is also a wide range of local film services from camera operators, directors and actors to studios and sound recording suites. The islands have always been popular with film and television producers as the colours and light in the landscape make for awe inspiring footage and a supportive infrastructure has grown up to meet the needs of the industry. Many local firms and individuals are flexible and ready to take on any challenge when working with film companies and there is no better place in Britain for 'Cast and Crew' to unwind and relax after a stressed days filming! To view what facilities are on offer in the Hebrides or for help finding your ideal location, contact: www.scotfilm.org (The Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission)
Why do people come here to film?
You really have to experience the Hebrides for yourself to get an answer to this question. It is impossible to describe the atmosphere that is created on screen by the spectacular scenery which is on offer in these islands. The untouched beauty of the white silky beaches, the Caribbean colour of the unpolluted waters and the dark and moody purple, heather hills combine to take your breath away. It's so easy to find a spot with no telegraph poles, chimneys or artificial lights and where there is barely any traffic or visitors, producing that encompassing silence so loved by film directors and sound recordists alike. Cast and crew are assured a warm and friendly welcome by the locals and can get a peaceful and restful sleep without bothering about traffic jams and other worries of an urban location. Just read our cast and crew quotes section to hear what they thought!
What about Transport to the Islands?
Whether you are travelling by air, sea or road, the Hebrides is easily accessible and well worth the trip. The UK's infrastructure opens up a wealth of location filming possibilities and it is possible to get from London to Glasgow in less than two and a half hours by commercial (with transfers) or one hour charter flight. For more information about travelling to and around the islands see our travel section.
For information about travelling to and within the UK see the travel section in:
www.britfilmcom.co.uk
Or visit:
www.visitbritain.com
Are there any cinemas in the islands?
Yes there are! But not of the conventional kind. There used to be static cinemas in the Islands until the late 1990s when roving cinemas from the mainland took over. We now have two companies which come to the islands with the latest releases. The most unusual is the 'Screen Machine' - an articulated lorry which folds out into a very impressive modern cinema and transforms into a 100-seater picture house!
Where can I get help finding film locations in the Hebrides?
We have an excellent film commission covering the area, the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission. Contact them on 01463 710637, www.scotfilm.org, info@scotfilm.org.
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