The BAFTA-winning Scottish director Tommy Gormley has backed calls for the establishment of a Scottish film studio.
Gormley, who has worked on the new Star Wars film, and won an Outstanding Contribution to Craft award from BAFTA on Sunday, backed the idea of a Scottish film studio as he met students at the University of the West of Scotland.
The first assistant director, or AD, said: "Scotland is full of talented individuals and is blessed with being one of the most visually stunning countries in the world. It has incredible culture, varied architecture and spectacular scenery, making it an ideal filming location.
"Alan Cumming, Mark Millar, Brian Cox, Sean Connery, Billy Connolly, Lynne Ramsay and Ewan McGregor are some fine examples of Scottish talent behind and in front of the camera who have dominated Hollywood in recent years - and that's without a dedicated film studio.
"More and more, the larger studios are looking away from Hollywood and Scotland is ideally placed to take advantage of this, with the correct investment. There is huge potential here, but other similar sized nations already have studio facilities so it's important that action is taken now to seize these opportunities."
Tommy's BAFTA award came after completing filming the new Star Wars film, The Force Awakens, with director JJ Abrams.
Abrams said: "Tommy Gormley is not just the most incredible first AD I've ever seen but is also one of the greatest people I've ever met."
Professor Nick Higgins, Director of UWS' Creative Media Academy, is among those hoping to give the Scottish film industry a boost by backing proposals to build a dedicated film and television studio at Pacific Quay, Glasgow.
He said: "Tommy has established himself as a hugely respected figure in Hollywood and his views carry weight within the industry.
"It is now clearly evident that Scotland could and should have a studio and if professionals as respected in the industry as Tommy believe it would be a success and stimulate the Scottish Film industry, people should sit up and take notice."
Professor Higgins added: "Tommy's is an inspiring story of how anyone with the dedication and ambition can make it in the film business and we're very grateful to him for taking time out of his busy schedule to come here today and give his support to our Academy programmes and students.
"It is our aim to produce the next generation of BAFTA winners. Role models like Tommy prove there's no limit to where you can go with the right attitude, skill and determination."
Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be released in 2015.
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