Glasgow Unveiled: Capturing Drama in Scotland’s Industrial Heart

Transcript of film “BrightWolf BigFive: Scottish Filming Locations – Industrial Glasgow [S1 E2]”

In this episode we focus on filming in Glasgow with its industrial past locations

• Govin Graving Docks: A Cinematic Haven – The episode kicks off with a look at the Govin Graving Docks, famous for their use in the film ‘1917’. Located beside Glasgow’s Science Centre, these desolate docks, with their dark stonework and rusted features, offer a dramatic backdrop ideal for films depicting distress and gloom.
• Yorkhill Arches: The Artistic Underbelly of Glasgow – Filming in Glasgow with its industrial past locations continues at the Yorkhill Arches, under the railway on Eastvale Place. This gritty, urban setting is adorned with vibrant businesses and incredible street art, making it perfect for modern dramas or music videos.
• Finnieston Crane: Icon of Glasgow’s Engineering Past – The iconic Finnieston Crane, a symbol of Glasgow’s engineering heritage, is highlighted as a non-operational yet visually striking location. It serves as an excellent backdrop for documentaries and promotional films celebrating Glasgow’s cultural events.
• Renfrew-Yoker Ferry: Capturing Glasgow’s Serene Riverside Charm – The episode then transitions to the serene Renfrew-Yoker Ferry on the Clyde, a quaint and picturesque location ideal for filming dramas that require a peaceful yet urban setting.
• Provan Gas Works: Industrial Majesty on Glasgow’s Skyline – Concluding the episode, Provan Gas Works stand as a testament to filming in Glasgow with its industrial past locations. These bold, steel structures provide a majestic and gritty backdrop suitable for drama series or films with an industrial theme.

Transcript of film “BrightWolf BigFive: Scottish Filming Locations – Industrial Glasgow [S1 E2]”
This episode looks at filming in Glasgow with its industrial past locations.

https://youtu.be/3rodpqYMqwM?si=mi4vMZ9PkNLRbaDj

The BrightWolf BigFive is where we go around Scotland and highlight some of the most amazing places you can film. Today we’re doing industrial Glasgow.

So Glasgow, a place with a history of heavy industry. The largest city in Scotland, split by a river and a motorway.

Govin Graving Docks: A Cinematic Haven

With a reputation for building ships and large vessels on the Clyde. And that brings us to our first location. Govin Graving Docks have been used most recently for the Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA hit feature film ‘1917’ by director Sam Mendes.

These dry docks built on the Clyde back in 1875 are now desolate rundown. Dark old stonework and rusted features can help build a picture of distress and gloom, and yet you’re literally in the heart of Glasgow. Round the corner. There are plenty of filmmaking services, costume, production and set building. an amazing, character rich location for drama or a gritty music video. Iain, our director, used it for a video as part of a musical project in response to Glasgow hosting COP26.

Yorkhill Arches: The Artistic Underbelly of Glasgow

Across the Clyde and our next filming location on Glasgow’s Industrial past are the Yorkhill arches running under the railway on Eastvale Place. In the past I used this for a Scottish Government commercial where we wanted to show some of the gritty and cool side of Glasgow. There’s a collection of great wee businesses and studio spaces, as well as some Incredible street art put here by world famous artists.

You’ve also got the Clydeside Expressway running next to it. With more possibilities and views over the river. You could use the area for filming a modern drama, a period piece or a music video. Interesting angles clashing with gritty urban architecture. Numerous possibilities and everything you need to help film on the doorstep.

Finnieston Crane: Icon of Glasgow’s Engineering Past

Next we head to the Finnieston Crane or Stobcross Crane, a symbol of Glasgow’s engineering heritage and used for loading heavy cargo in particularly steam locomotives. No longer operational, it’s used for films where there’s a strong sense of Glasgow the place. it’s a bit of brand Glasgow. Perfect for the production of documentaries and promo films, highlighting cultural events based around the city. postcard Glasgow, and a great presenter backdrop.

Renfrew-Yoker Ferry: Capturing Glasgow’s Serene Riverside Charm

Moving from the largest of cranes and big shipbuilding to one of Scotland’s smallest ferries. Very different but also part of the industrial and urban side of the Clyde. It’s The Renfrew-Yoker Ferry. This picturesque little spot is a gem of a location for shooting a drama that just wants something of the city but feels very different. The crossing has been here for at least 500 years and probably a lot longer. It gives you river, it gives you city, but also peace and tranquility. Well worth it on any filming location list.

Provan Gas Works: Industrial Majesty on Glasgow’s Skyline

Now, next to the M8 is the last backdrop we think would be great as part of a drama series or a film with an industrial feel. The Provan gasworks. built around 1904 and used as part of the creation of gas and also the storage of natural gas. These two, now hollow, steel structures stand bold and proud beside the motorway. The unofficial gates that you drive past as you enter the city from the east. Good as a featured backdrop or a street scene in the nearby industrial park. an iconic setting that rounds of this location- busting episode of The BrightWolf Big five industrial Glasgow locations.

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If you liked this episode take a look at some of our other episodes such as this one on Historical Edinburgh Filming Locations.