State-of-the art television studio opens in Glasgow

Scotland’s biggest film studio has officially been launched in Glasgow.

The newly constructed, state-of-the art studio is based within the iconic Kelvin Hall in the city’s west end.

It is hoped that the 10,5000 sq ft facility will help to meet growing demand for television production in Scotland.

A make up room at the new facility in Kelvin Hall. Email

Operated by BBC Studioworks, it will facilitate STV Studios as its first client from Friday, September 30.

The company will record in and utilise the new studio with the second series of BBC One quiz show Bridge of Lies.

With three recordings per day, the three-week studio residency will comprise 25 daytime episodes and an additional eight celebrity episodes for primetime.

Other production titles have also confirmed residencies and will be announced in the near future.

The studio is being co-funded by the Scottish Government through Screen Scotland and Glasgow City Council.

With the launch of the studio, the requirement for local production talent is expected to significantly grow.

Andrew Moultrie, CEO BBC Studioworks described the facilities as being of a “world class” quality.

“This is a new and exciting chapter for BBC Studioworks as we expand our footprint across the UK,” he said.

“This is also a new chapter for this historic and much-loved building. Adding to its rich and varied history, Kelvin Hall now boasts a purpose-built studio facility which is futureproofed with cutting edge and industry leading technology.

“The fact that we have the production powerhouse STV Studios as our first client is testament to the world class quality of the facilities and this unique space which now exists as Scotland’s rich creative landscape.

“We are proud to continue Kelvin Hall’s amazing legacy which has spanned many generations, complimenting the creative sector here in Glasgow and helping Scotland’s creative communities thrive.”

David Mortimer, STV Studios managing director, set out the plans ahead for the filming of Bridge of Lies at the facility.

“Having already transformed part of Kelvin Hall – one of Glasgow’s most iconic venues – into a three-storey prison set for our Channel 4 drama Screw last year, we’re thrilled to be the first production company to film at BBC Studioworks’ impressive new purpose-built studio next door.

“As a Scotland-based production company, it’s important to us that we support the wealth of talent and facilities across Scotland’s creative sector, so it’s a no-brainer that this studio becomes the new home of our quiz show, Bridge of Lies.

“We’re delighted to be bringing host Ross Kemp to Kelvin Hall for a busy three weeks of filming.”

David Smith, Screen Scotland director, added: “Growth continues to be robust in Scotland’s screen sector and we’re maintaining momentum with continuous investment in skills, infrastructure and talent development.

“Working with BBC Studioworks, the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council across the last three years on the redevelopment of Kelvin Hall has unlocked a whole new level of television production from Scotland, to be led by Scotland’s phenomenal independent producers.”

Scotland’s culture secretary Angus Robertson said the facility will create “significant opportunities” for programme makers and freelancers.

“BBC Studioworks is a welcome addition to Scotland’s existing range of studio space and reflects the vibrant expansion of the screen sector with its growing demand from local and international film and television production companies,” said Robertson.

“This new state-of-the-art facility will create significant opportunities for programme makers and freelancers as well as further develop a sustainable industry by increasing our skills and talent base through a range of training programmes.”