Latest news with #MaureenHascoet
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Plans revealed to save home of iconic Scottish TV shows after BBC snub
BBC Scotland announced it plans to close the facility after it was revealed in March that the popular soap will be axed STILL FRAME Plans revealed to save home of iconic Scottish TV shows after BBC snub BOLD plans to save one of Scotland most iconic TV studios have been unveiled. Dumbarton Studios has been the home of filming for River City for 23 years 3 Plans are in motion to safeguard the future of Dumbarton Studios Credit: John Kirkby - Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow 3 The facility has been the filming location for River City for well over two decades Credit: John Kirkby - Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow 3 The long-running soap will be axed next year Credit: BBC BBC Scotland announced it plans to close the facility after it was revealed in March that the popular soap will be axed. Dumbarton Studios has been described as a "vital hub" for the country's television industry. It has helped develop local talent and has been a location for filming other shows, such as Still Game, Shetland and Two Doors Down. BBC Scotland's lease on Dumbarton Studios will come to an end in September next year. Firewalker Pictures is seeking to take over the facility and safeguard its future. Maureen Hascoet, director of the production firm, hailed Dumbarton Studios and said "it deserves more than to fade into history". She added: "Our vision is to preserve its heritage while opening the doors to fresh voices, emerging filmmakers, and groundbreaking content. Who we choose to be right now as an industry and how we show up in this deal will determine our destiny. "It's about more than preserving Scotland's film and TV infrastructure. It's about investing in ourselves as storytellers and finding our place as leaders in the global economy." Firewalker Pictures is seeking to invest in upgrading Dumbarton Studios in a bid to attract domestic and international productions in the future. Ms Hascoet added that her company is keen to work with the local community, industry partners and government bodies. Mrs Brown's Boys viewers convinced Agnes will DIE after slipping into a coma with just one episode of series left Firewalker Pictures is in ongoing talks with Dumbarton Studios' current owner, Westerwood Properties. River City is set in the fictional area of Shieldinch in the West End of Glasgow. Dumbarton Studios includes a huge custom-built, including the Tall Ship pub and Oyster Cafe.
The National
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Plans to save BBC Scotland's Dumbarton Studios unveiled
Dumbarton Studios has been described as a 'vital hub' for Scottish television, helping to nurture local talent, and is the home to shows including Shetland, Still Game, Two Doors Down, and River City. However, in March, BBC Scotland said it planned to close Dumbarton Studios when its lease for the facility ends in September 2026, following the news that it was axing its long-running drama River City. With uncertainty surrounding the future of the studios, production firm Firewalker Pictures has unveiled its plans to safeguard Dumbarton Studios' legacy by taking over the facility and offering a new 'vibrant home' for Scottish and international productions. READ MORE: Scottish crew 'excluded from Spider Man 4 filming in Glasgow' Maureen Hascoet, director of Firewalker Pictures, told The National that Dumbarton Studios has long been a cornerstone of Scotland's creative industry and that 'it deserves more than to fade into history'. 'Our vision is to preserve its heritage while opening the doors to fresh voices, emerging filmmakers, and groundbreaking content,' she said. Hascoet (left) added: 'Who we choose to be right now as an industry and how we show up in this deal will determine our destiny.' (Image: Tatjana Tischler) 'It's about more than preserving Scotland's film and tv infrastructure.' 'It's about investing in ourselves as storytellers and finding our place as leaders in the global economy. Hascoet said that Firewalker Pictures plans to invest in upgrading the facilities, in a bid to ensure the studios remain a competitive and attractive location for both domestic and international productions. She added that her firm is committed to working with the local community, industry partners, and government bodies to ensure that Dumbarton Studios continues to play a key role in Scotland's cultural and economic future. Hascoet stressed that the proposed acquisition is still in its early stages; however, Firewalker Pictures is engaging in ongoing discussions with the current owners of the site, Westerwood Properties. The owner of the Edinburgh-based property firm Westerwood Properties previously told The National they would look at possibilities of developing a new building for the studio if BBC Scotland wanted to stay.
