The arrival of Hollywood blockbusters in Scotland does not mean the country has a healthy movie sector, Scottish film makers have declared.
It has been reported that Scotland's economy could receive a £10 million boost when a new blockbuster, The Avenger's movie Infinity War, is filmed in several locations across the country later this year.
Makers of the comic book adaptation are understood to be scouting locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands for the film, the third in the Avengers series which will star Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr and Samuel L Jackson.
Read more: Marvel's Avengers film shoot will give Scots economy £10m boost
However a lobbying group established by film and television workers, the Association of Film and Television Practitioners Scotland (AFPTS) said the film will have a "limited impact on the sector, until Scotland has the appropriate infrastructure in place."
In a statement, the AFPTS, which represents more than 1700 producers, directors and technicians, said: "It has been reported that it is the biggest film since World War Z (WWZ) or Braveheart and could bring in inward investment of £10m.
"This shows how desirable Scottish locations are to filmmakers and the economic benefit it can bring.
"This may be, but when WWZ was shot in 2011 - some 6 years ago - and Braveheart in 1994 - some 23 years ago - filming took place between Ireland and Scotland.
Read more: Marvel's Avengers film shoot will give Scots economy £10m boost
"The reported production spend of £10m is welcomed but this is only a small proportion of the budget which will be in excess, of $250m."
It adds: "Having a Hollywood blockbuster filming in Scotland every half-decade or so is not indicative of a healthy screen sector.
"Ten years ago Scotland was second only to London in screen production activity but Scotland is now a poor sixth
behind London, Wales, Northern Ireland, Manchester/Leeds and Bristol.
"This meteoric decline can be reversed quite quickly but it needs the will to do so from the Scottish Government, who have been very slow to react.
"With a major multi stage studio in Pentlands stuck in planning for over a year and a Studio Delivery Group still to report after four years, the film industry in Scotland is no further forward."
Read more: Marvel's Avengers film shoot will give Scots economy £10m boost
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The Scottish Government has received the report and recommendations from the independent reporter on the proposal for a mixed-use development near Straiton which includes a film studio. "Ministers will publish their decision in due course once the report has been fully considered."
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