Why UNLEYEK Is Opening in Glasgow - And Why We Believe Scotland Is the Future of Independent Film

The next chapter of UNLEYEK begins in Scotland.

After years of producing films across England and building partnerships with broadcasters, creatives, investors and international collaborators, we are proud to announce that UNLEYEK is expanding into Glasgow, with a long-term commitment to investing in Scottish talent and developing productions rooted in one of Europe's most exciting creative ecosystems.

This is not simply a change of location.

It is a strategic decision based on where we believe the future of filmmaking is heading.

Scotland Is No Longer an Emerging Market. It Is a Growing Film Powerhouse.

Over the last few years, Scotland has transformed from being known primarily as a spectacular filming location into becoming a genuine production hub.

According to Screen Scotland, the country's screen sector has experienced remarkable economic growth. Production spending has increased dramatically, while the overall contribution of Scotland's screen industries continues to rise year after year. Inward investment film and high-end television production more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, with total production spend reaching over £617 million, demonstrating that international producers increasingly see Scotland as a place to build projects—not simply visit for locations.

For independent production companies like UNLEYEK, this creates an incredible opportunity.

Rather than competing in an increasingly saturated London market, Scotland offers something different: ambition, infrastructure, creative talent and room to grow together.

Why Glasgow?

There are many beautiful places in Scotland.

We chose Glasgow because it feels like a city that still believes in artists.

It combines an extraordinary creative community with practical production infrastructure. The city continues to attract international productions while simultaneously nurturing local filmmakers, writers, actors and technicians.

More importantly, Glasgow has people who want to make things.

For us, filmmaking has always been about communities rather than postcodes. Great films are built by passionate crews, ambitious creatives and long-term relationships. Glasgow already has those ingredients.

Investing in Scottish Talent

At UNLEYEK, we have never believed that independent filmmakers should wait for permission.

Some of the world's most influential films began with small teams, limited resources and extraordinary ambition.

That philosophy aligns perfectly with Scotland's growing creative ecosystem.

Screen Scotland continues to invest heavily in talent development, business support and production funding while positioning Scotland as a global centre for filmmaking through its long-term strategy to 2030.

Our ambition is to become part of that ecosystem.

That means:

• collaborating with Scottish writers

• producing projects with Scottish directors

• hiring Scottish crew wherever possible

• creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers

• building long-term relationships rather than one-off productions

We believe independent companies have a responsibility not only to make films, but also to help grow the industries they work within.

Broadcasters Are Looking Beyond London

The UK screen industry is changing.

Broadcasters and commissioners increasingly recognise the importance of regional production, authentic local voices and stronger creative ecosystems outside the capital.

Scotland is becoming an increasingly important part of that conversation, with significant investment flowing into locally based productions and companies that develop Scottish talent.

This aligns perfectly with how UNLEYEK has always operated.

We believe stories should come from where people actually live.

Building Projects Already in Development

Our expansion is not theoretical.

We already have future productions in development involving broadcasters and industry partners, and Scotland will become an important part of our long-term production strategy.

As these projects move into development and production, our goal is to continue expanding our Scottish network of collaborators while exploring new opportunities for co-productions, broadcaster partnerships and international financing.

This is only the beginning.

Why the UK Still Matters

The UK remains one of the strongest filmmaking ecosystems in the world.

Its combination of creative talent, internationally recognised crews, experienced production companies, tax incentives and world-class broadcasters continues to attract filmmakers from around the globe. Combined with the growth of independent financing models and international co-productions, the UK offers extraordinary opportunities for producers willing to think creatively.

Within that ecosystem, Scotland occupies a particularly exciting position.

It combines global production standards with a creative culture that still feels collaborative, accessible and open to innovation.

For a company like UNLEYEK, those qualities matter.

A Long-Term Commitment

Opening in Glasgow is not about opening another office.

It is about planting roots.

We want to become part of Scotland's creative future by producing films that travel internationally while creating opportunities locally.

Whether that means developing first-time filmmakers, partnering with broadcasters, collaborating with universities, or working alongside experienced Scottish producers, our ambition remains the same:

to tell meaningful stories, build sustainable productions and help create an industry where exceptional talent can thrive without leaving home.

Scotland's future in film is already being written.

We're excited to help write the next chapter.