Filmmaker Jason Connery and producer Bob Last have been given the go-ahead to build a film and TV studio in Edinburgh with £1 million backing from Screen Scotland.
First Stage Studios will see the former Pelamis wave power plant in Leith Docks transformed, with five sound stages and 27,000 sq ft of flexible production office space.
Run by Oscar-nominated producer Bob Last and actor and director Jason Connery, First Stage Studios will manage, operate and promote the 8.6-acre facility to productions from the UK and around the world, reports Insider.
The site has already used to film Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War and was earmarked as the location to film the new Lord of the Rings TV series but missed out to New Zealand, where the original Oscar-winning films were made by Peter Jackson.
Last, a Bafta-winning film and TV producer,said: "We look forward to building on the strong interest already expressed by international and UK customers.
"We are grateful to Screen Scotland for their commitment to an ambitious film and television sector and look forward to contributing to its development."
Connery, son of Oscar-winning actor Sir Sean, said: "There is no question Scotland needs a film studio, I could not be more excited to be involved in bringing it to fruition."
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "This announcement represents a great step forward in Scotland's ambition to drive growth across all aspects of the film and TV sector.
"Having a studio of this scale will provide a home in Scotland for film and high-end TV productions, generate significant revenue for Scotland's wider economy and support sustainable careers across the film and TV industry from writers, producers and directors to those working in craft and technical areas."
Screen Scotland executive director Isabel Davis said: "The studio is key in expanding film and TV production in Scotland. We're delighted to be working with First Stage Studios to bring it to life.
"Bob and Jason bring a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge that is invaluable to the development of the studio.
"Scotland is internationally renowned for its world-class talent, crews, facilities and breath-taking locations, this facility means we can raise the visibility of Scotland on screen, anchor more film and high-end television productions in Scotland and capitalise on the global boom in the industry."
