Ms Baker asks what the barriers are here, to which Mr Coulter replies private investors have wondered if they could make money out of a studio.

Mr Last points out there are smaller scale spaces, so it's not like there is nowhere to shoot.

Green MSP Ross Greer asks if the effort to convert a building in Leith matches with the priority of getting large productions.

"If money was not an object you would build a custom built studio in Harthill," replies Mr Coulter.

Here's the committee's previous report on the Screen sector published in 2018:

Making Scotland a Screen Leader, external, was the culmination of a six-month inquiry which heard from over 50 witnesses and it repeats the recommendation of its interim report that the Screen Unit should evolve into a standalone agency. This is the model other countries and regions use to support their screen industries.

Arabella Page-Croft says the sector cannot afford to be missing out on millions of pounds of investment asks why we are not further forward.

Bob Last adds the "studio saga has gone on for decades" but this would not solve all problems.

We need to have a central belt crew base to service big productions which will take a long time to develop, he adds.

Pauline McLean
BBC Scotland Arts Correspondent

Image source, MAGIC MONKEY FILMS

Scotland continues to experience something of a boom in filmmaking - a record 95 million in 2017 - with that figure expected to rise again when the latest numbers are published.

But this filming boom isn't unique to Scotland and many people in the industry argue that a national film studio would increase Scotland's offer substantially.

Fourteen months ago, Isabel Davis of Screen Scotland insisted they were closer than they'd ever been to establishing a facility in the old Pelamis building in the Port of Leith.

If a private developer could be found, she said, a studio could be up and running by the end of 2019.

With that deadline past, and a new season of filming starting over, many wonder if Scotland's moment has passed.

Read more.

Claire Baker says the committee issued a report three years ago recognising the need for a film studio.

The Labour MSP adds Screen Scotland then gave evidence two years ago where they mentioned the possibility of studio in Leith.

Nothing has yet emerged, she adds, asking the witnesses what they feel about the lack of a studio.

Eric Coulter of Surefire Television Productions Ltd says he was looking for building space for a studio 40 years ago and is still waiting.

Not having a studio can be quite an obstacle he says, citing Braveheart having to be filmed in Ireland.

Bob Last suggests Screen Scotland has taken on more of a teaching role for partner organisations, rather than a one stop shop which funnels resources and expertise.

Ms Orton warns the organisation taking a talking role could end up with partners falling back into old habits.

Scottish Enterprise has "obsessively" maintained its commitment to a 1950s high growth economic strategy, Mr Last warns, which does not suit micro and nano businesses which make up the bulk of the creative sector.

It's begun to bring a renewed focus on the sector at a time of peak disruption with the rise of pan-global platforms, says Bob Last.

The film producer adds there are some challenges that need to be resolved.

Eric Coulter of Surefire Television Productions Ltd tells the committee the key is support for indigenous companies.

Arabella Page-Croft says there has been a big step up and she speaks positively about how Screen Scotland is shaping up.

It's "pretty fantastic" having new funds and new money, and it is opening up opportunities says Barbara Orton.

However Ms Orton expresses concern there is too much focus on the high growth parts of the sector at the expensive of smaller businesses.

Image source, bbc

The convener welcomes:

• Eric Coulter of Surefire Television Productions Ltd
• Bob Last, a film producer
• Barbara Orton of True TV and Film
• Arabella Page-Croft from Black Camel Pictures

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee will begin shortly.

It will first take evidence on the progress made by Screen Scotland, an agency launched in August 2018 to benefit the TV and film sectors.

Image source, Getty Images

Then Scottish Secretary Alister Jack will appear before MSPs for the first time.

He will discuss the EU withdrawal agreement and negotiations on the future relationship with Europe.

Read the meeting papers here. , external

Image source, bbc

Welcome to BBC Scotland's Holyrood Live coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 5 March 2020, the day we expect the Scottish government's budget to be passed.

The final debate on the Budget (Scotland) (No.4) Bill begins at 3.05pm this afternoon.

Also happening today:

• Scottish Secretary Alister Jack gives evidence at committee
• first minister's questions at midday