The current independence referendum presents the film-making community in Scotland with an unprecedented opportunity to develop a film culture befitting a modern nation state. They should seize it without hesitation. That appears to be the dominant position emerging from a series of well-attended industry events exploring the potential impact of independence on filmmaking in Scotland. Since the development of the Scottish Production Fund in 1982, film policy has become increasingly devolved. Prior to this, decisions relating to state funding of fictional feature production were made in London. It would, of course, be implausible to place all of the problems of film making in Scotland at the door of the Union. But independence creates an opportunity for fresh ideas to emerge.
