TV show to boost jobs in town

The News and Chronicle previously reported that around 200 production workers are expected to be based at a former electronics plant in Cumbernauld with more than 2000 supporting actors and ‘extras’ needed for the show, based on the best-selling Outlander novels, over the next few months.

Councillor David Fagan said: “I have already visited the site and the transformation is incredible. A number of local companies are already on-site preparing the once-derelict building to be transformed into 18th century and 1940s Scotland. It is a huge feather in the cap for North Lanarkshire that we have been chosen as the home for Outlander, already being pitched as Scotland’s answer to Game of Thrones.

“We have already spoken with the production company about assistance we can give and the potential for jobs and training opportunities.”

The project, from Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company and Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for US pay-TV network Starz will shoot a 16-part series based on author Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling Outlander series of novels. Filming is due to begin next month and is expected to last well into 2014. It will air in America next year.

He added: “Cumbernauld is no stranger to film and TV production – who can ever forget Gregory’s Girl – and to have a modern film and TV studio right on our doorstep is a fantastic opportunity for the whole area.”