INVERCLYDE Council is hoping to keep the television and motion picture spotlight firmly fixed on the area following recent successes.

Greenock is the new home of the BBC’s award winning drama series ‘Waterloo Road’ after Shed Productions re-located its production base to the former Greenock Academy building. The two-year lease will see 50 one-hour episodes filmed and will provide a significant boost to the local and Scottish creative sector worth an estimated £20 million and up to 200 jobs. More Information

And it wasn’t just the producers of the popular BBC series who were attracted to Inverclyde as a suitable location. Hollywood star Scarlett Johannson, pictured, was in Port Glasgow filming sci-fi blockbuster ‘Under the Skin’ at the end of last year. The movie tells the story of an alien (Johannson) who seduces and picks up hitchhikers in order to harvest their body parts. Scarlett Johnansson In Port Glasgow

Depute Council Leader Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "It is a very exciting time for Inverclyde with production of Waterloo Road about to start. Auditions have already been held for the many extras that will be needed in the programme giving valuable work experience and income to local young people. The producers recognised the potential of the site as a permanent location and also the stunning scenery in and around Greenock as a valuable and useful asset that can only enhance their programme.”

Councillor Clocherty added: "There is no question that Inverclyde has a lot to offer film and television production companies. We have incredible scenery and a wide mix of urban and rural locations that could suit a range of movies or dramas. We are developing plans to promote Inverclyde as a tourist destination and it follows that much of what we are saying about the area will attract the attention of location managers.”

Recent figures showed Hollywood films and other productions were worth over £20 million last year to the Glasgow area with the Brad Pitt zombie film ‘World War Z’ bringing £3.33 million during its 17 days on location last summer.

Councillor Clocherty said: "There is a growing demand for film locations in the West of Scotland. I think in Inverclyde we have already demonstrated that we can be welcoming but also offer the support and back up needed to make any production company’s experience in the area a positive one.”