Broadcasters and representatives of the computer games industry questioned

19 October 2015

The Scottish Affairs Committee visits Dundee on Monday 19 October to hold its first session looking at the creative industries in Scotland.

Witnesses

At 1.30pm

Brian Baglow, Director, Scottish Games Network
Dr Jo Twist, CEO, Ukie
Jeff Meek, Finance Director, TIGA
Professor Gregor White, Head of School of Arts, Media and Computer Games, Abertay University

At 2.10pm

Chris van der Kuyl, Director, 4J Studios
Malath Abbas, Studio/Collective founder
Kenny Mitchell, Senior Research Scientist, Disney Research
Grant Alexander, Commercial Director, Beartrap games

At 2.40pm

Ken MacQuarrie, Director, BBC Scotland
Ian MacKenzie, Nations and Regions Manager, Channel 4
Alan Clements, Director of Content, and Bobby Hain, Director of Channels, STV

Get involved

Contribute to the debate

If you watch our session online or come in person please contribute to the debate:

Chair's comments

Pete Wishart MP, Chair of the Committee, stated:

"I am delighted that our second Committee visit in Scotland will be in Dundee, one of the country's most important cities for the Scottish computer games industry and also the first UK city to be designated a UNESCO City of Design.
There is a rich history of computer game development in Dundee, and throughout Scotland. Titles with global reach, such as Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto, are worked on by software developers right here. We wanted to understand how the UK Government can best support these innovators in remaining at the forefront of such a competitive, global industry.
We will also be speaking to major broadcasters - the BBC, C4 and STV - who are so essential to the independent production sector. We will examine how much regional productions reflect life in Scotland and how much they make use of the skilled and talented workforce available in this country.
While we are in Dundee we will be holding a public evidence session at Abertay University where witnesses will include representatives from Scottish Games Network, TIGA, BBC, Channel 4 and STV. In a first for a House of Commons Select Committee taking evidence away from Westminster, we will be live streaming the session on Youtube. I would encourage anyone with an interest in creative media, or the political process itself, to come along or watch online."

Additional meetings

In addition to the formal evidence session, the Committee is holding informal meetings looking at the Dundee Waterfront Project, the V&A Dundee and Dundee City Council's work supporting local creative enterprises.