Media & creative industries

Glasgow is the centre of Scotland’s film and media industries. A digital media quarter is being created at Pacific Quay  beside the Glasgow Science Centre. The new headquarters for  the BBC and SMG are located there as well as space for smaller media and creative companies. Film City Glasgow is based in nearby Govan:  Sigma Films, Savalas Sound Studios and Serious Facilities are among the companies working there.

The media and creative industries are the fastest growing sector in the UK. They employ around 8,300 people in Scotland; in all sorts of occupations. The main sub-sectors in Scotland are interactive media (employing 4,560 or 55% of the workforce in Scotland) and broadcast TV (1,374 or 17%).  The industries have a highly qualified workforce; with high-level craft, technical and creative skills.  The workforce is predominantly graduate entry and there is a high level of freelance working.

Read our case studies on media and creative industries.

Key facts and figures

• 75% (6,200) of the workforce are employees and 25% (2084) are freelancers.
• The audio-visual industry is expected to grow by almost 20% in the 10 years.  Television is expected to grow the most over the next five years.
• Entry into these industries is very competitive and it can be difficult to get the first job. 
• Qualifications are important but applicants need to do everything to make themselves stand out from all the others.

See weblinks for local employers.

For more information on media and creative industries, the following websites are useful:

Skillset - Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries

The IDEASFACTORYScotland - Channel 4 project to help people into the industry

Film City Glasgow

Careers Scotland - careers information on jobs in media and creative industries