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BBC
Scottish authorities find themselves embroiled in another inter-country dispute following revelations that two of their newly planned programs will be produced by firms belonging to
London
HQs.
Last week, the company axed the Glasgow-set soap opera River City but tried to cushion the impact by revealing they had greenlit three new Scottish shows.
However, two out of every three of these productions will come from studios located below the Border.
It is the most recent controversy regarding the employment of English production firms following revelations about the popular TV series.
The Traitors
— shot at Ardross Castle in Ross-shire — hired 81 percent of its workforce from London.
Last night,
Tory
MSP Murdo Fraser stated: “Scottish licence fee contributors who are facing financial pressures would anticipate their funds being directed toward bolstering Scotland’s culturally challenged sector.”
‘This choice redirects funds presently used in Scotland to different locations.’
‘Our creative sector is crucial for strengthening our economy and also aids in promoting Scotland to a broader audience, and this seems contrary to that.’
It was reported last week that the television series “River City” will be taken off the air next year.
The BBC mentioned this indicates a shift in viewer preferences as people drift towards shorter formats instead of sticking with lengthy shows.
The company announced that they have initiated production of three new series — titled Counsel, Grams, and The Young Team. Additionally, Granite Harbour and Vigil are scheduled to come back for their third seasons, whereas Shetland is set to debut its tenth season.
Nonetheless, Counsels and Grams will be produced by Balloon Entertainment and World Productions, respectively, both of which have their headquarters in London.
The Scotland-born director Peter Strachan shared on social media, “Similar to what happened with The Traitors, this situation involves funds intended for Scotland being redirected out of the country.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish government stated: “The ministers anticipate that the BBC should comprehensively and impartially portray all communities within Scotland and will keep advocating on behalf of license fee contributors to guarantee proper representation for both the Scottish industry and audience.”
‘The Scottish Government will keep urging Ofcom to make sure the BBC meets its responsibilities in serving viewers and supporting Scotland’s creatives, consistent with the high standards expected from the BBC.’
The BBC stated: “Our new dramas are penned by Scottish authors, they will utilize a broad spectrum of talents based in Scotland, and will be produced by executives who have their roots in Scotland—much like ‘River City.'”
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