The differing remits of two key Scotland's public bodies, Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland, are "acting as a barrier" to the nation's film industry, a parliamentary report has found.
A report by the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, into the economic impact of Scotland's film, TV and video games industries, recommends that the government step in and "provide direction" to both bodies in order that they better support the film industry.
The findings of the committee's inquiry also call for a film studio to be built in Scotland, with any further delay causing "lasting damage" to the film and TV industries north of the border.
The report urges both Scottish Enterprise and the Government to reach a decision on the proposal for a film studio, believed to be in Cumbernauld, "as soon as possible".
Murdo Fraser MSP, convener of the committee, said: "Agencies working collaboratively and in collaboration with the industries are the key to success.
"It is evident that this is not currently happening. This must be addressed urgently."
The report says that, because of European State Aid rules, "the Scottish Government cannot fully fund a film and TV studio but asks it to consider the help that it, and its agencies, can provide to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to maximise the benefits for the indigenous film industry."
The study, published today, concludes that is it concerned that despite Creative Scotland's recently published 10 year strategic plan for the arts and screen industries, there is a lack of strategy for supporting and growing the TV sector.
It also calls for the end of the reliance of TV commissioners on companies that perform a "lift and shift" - only moving to Scotland for the duration of making a show - in favour of "investing production by independent TV companies with a permanent base in Scotland."
It adds: "The Committee calls upon the BBC and Channel 4 to adopt this new approach to commissioning by the end of 2016."
For video games, the report recommends that Creative Scotland lead the establishment of a "national strategy" to deliver a "sustainable Scottish video games industry" as a "matter of priority".
It also calls for the setting up of a film industry "leadership group" to "facilitate engagement with the film industry and to enable the public bodies to understand better and respond to the industry's needs".
A spokesman for Creative Scotland said: "Creative Scotland welcomes the recommendations from the inquiry...They highlight the opportunities for Scotland's economic growth and prosperity through supporting and stimulating the creative industries to generate new content, innovate and thrive.
"We will consider them carefully as a matter of priority and work closely with Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Government and other partners to develop a clear shared plan for their delivery."
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