If there's any country that understands and appreciates what film or television can do for tourism, it's us, here in New Zealand. Over the past decade, Scotland has been experiencing something similar. Since the TV series Outlander started in the UK, it's bolstered visitor numbers with tourists inspired by the show to not only to travel, but also discover their own Scottish heritage.
The show is based on a series of books written by Dianna Gabaldon, first published in the 90s and follows WWII nurse Claire Randall as she's transported back to 18th Century Scotland where she falls in love with warrior Jamie Fraser. The show which stars Caitriona Balfe as Claire and Sam Heughan as the Jacobite, is shot in locations across the country, showcasing Scotland's landscapes, historical buildings and castles. There are seven seasons of the show with an eighth and final season set to premier next year. Visit Scotland Film and Creative Industries manager, Jenni Steele, speaks to Culture 101 about what the television show has done for both the country and the local film industry.
