Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Jamie Greene asks, that despite the recommendation of the committee, will Scotland not get a stand alone screen unit with the new executive director focused solely on screen.

Ms Hyslop warns: "Don't try to delay this."

She insists she is not saying there will never be an independent screen unit, just not now.

The minister argues the main focus of the new executive director will be on the screen sector.

Green MSP Ross Greer suggests that if the unit was entirely public sector led and was able to compete fairly in the market, this would not break state aid rules.

The culture secretary says much work went into the question of whether it complied with state aid rules.

She says much advice received indicated the government would be left open to challenge.

Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott asks if the business case for the screen unit included a timeline for the executive director.

Ms Hyslop confirms it did.

The idea was to get the screen unit established by the end of the financial year but the recruitment process was not started, she says.

She expresses frustration that the recruitment process was delayed and she confirms the raised questions about this.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead reiterates the call for a stand alone film agency for Scotland.

Ms Hyslop repeats her argument that there should not be a new agency unless there is a real demand for new powers that requires it.

Image source, STARZ/AMAZON PRIME

The production of high-end TV dramas like Peaky Blinders and Game of Thrones could be a huge opportunity for the screen industry in Scotland.

It is already home to the hugely successful Outlander - a programme that has been credited with bringing about £300m of investment to Scotland and with boosting tourism.

Earlier this year the producer of that programme told MSPs that Scotland should try to attract more shows of a similar calibre.

The lack of a purpose-built film and TV studio has long been blamed for holding back the expansion of the industry.

Read more here.

Ms Hyslop says the criticisms within the committee's interim report were outdated by the time the report was published.

Labour MSP Claire Baker says the interim report was prompted in part by concerns about governance arrangements.

In particular, she points to criticism around the autonomy of the screen unit's executive director.

The cabinet secretary says it is not unusual for the executive director to require board approval for the sums in play.

SNP MSP Joan McAlpine says the Scottish government has not responded to the call for a stand alone screen unit in the committtee's report.

Ms Hyslop tells the chamber she was surprised there was an interim report and warns against any disruption or delay.

She calls for support for the new screen unit.

Image source, bbc

The minister argues the industry wants the government to get on with this and not focus on establishing a new unit, as this would take several years.

Ms McAlpine says every other country in the world has a stand alone screen unit.

She highlights concerns about fragmentation and the lack of a memorandum of understanding between public bodies.

The minister insists a business plan is far stronger tthan an MOU.

Image source, bbc

Ms Hyslop agrees the new screen unit must be able to take fast decisions.

The culture secretary says the board will have members with screen experience.

She insists: "The screen unit is getting the attention it requires."

Image source, Channel 4

Glasgow has made the shortlist of potential sites for Channel 4's new national headquarters.

The broadcaster will move 300 staff out of London to three new bases next year in the biggest change to its structure in 35 years.

Glasgow joins Bristol, Cardiff, Greater Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and the West Midlands on the shortlist for the HQ or creative hub.

Nicola Sturgeon said on Twitter that the announcement was"brilliant", external.

• Is Glasgow's TV industry thriving?
• Sturgeon backs Glasgow Channel 4 HQ bid

Image source, bbc

Last September the National Film and Television School (NFTS) announced it was to set up a base in Scotland.

The new NFTS facility was being established in partnership with BBC Scotland and was to be based at the corporation's Glasgow Pacific Quay headquarters and Dumbarton studios.

The plan was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said the Scottish government would provide backing worth £475,000.

A third of the new places were tol be fully funded scholarships.

This is intended to "enhance equality and diversity in the screen sector".

NFTS offers postgraduate courses for film, television and the games industry.

Read more here.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop highlights early positive results from investment in screen and production.

Support is growing in many different ways, she adds, pointing to the establishment of the National Film and Television School in Glasgow and the city also being shortlisted for Channel 4's new headquarters.

The Scottish government has backed the film and TV industry by doubling funding in production development and growth funding, Ms Hyslop asserts.

The cabinet secretary also says there must be a dedicated screen unit and it must have current expertise from industry, hence efforts to recruit people from the industry to Creative Scotland.

Image source, bbc

Culture Secretary Fiona Hysolp and Scottish government officials are up next before the committee.

Image source, Starz/Marvel/Walt Disney/BBC

Intermission..... grab a choc ice but don't go away, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslp is next!

Convener Joan McAlpine suggests there is a "clear lack of data" on what the industry needs and notes intentions to create a data hub.

She requests an update on this.

"Data is difficult," replies head of film education Scott Donaldson.

The knowledge and research team has been working with the British Film Institute on its data to understand what can be obtained from that about Scottish specifically, he adds.

There is also work underway to scope out with partners what other data may be available, Mr Donaldson explains.

Labour MSP Claire Baker asks how we make sure Scotland is making the process we want.

Mr Munro says the hard evidence will come from the annual report against the business plan.

There will be clear outputs and objectives set in this, he adds.

The five-year plan will also include high level targets, he confirms.

Image source, EPA

Tory MSP Jamie Greene asks for clarification if it was government that said they did not want an independent screen unit, after the committee's recommendation.

Mr Munro replies: "The origins of the screen unit are based on an SNP manifesto commitment."

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart asks what Creative Scotland is doing to ensure people and companies have the right skill sets.

Head of film education Scott Donaldson says the skills and talent strategy will address this.

We have an additional £0.5m for the strategy and I see no reason why we cannot use that to support skills development, he adds.