AN MSP from Greenock has revealed how he enjoyed a long and successful career in TV production prior to turning to politics.

Jamie Greene, 40, who hails from Gibshill, spent 13 years in the industry in London.

He rose to the post of senior executive of Viacom, a mass media company owning Paramount, MTV and Nickelodeon.

Jamie travelled all over the world before returning home and being elected to the Scottish Parliament.

Jamie said: "I moved to London in my early 20s and started as a runner/tea boy and worked my way up the ladder.

"I went on to to be a researcher, then assistant producer, location manager and producer."

Jamie, a former pupil of St Stephen's High, studied languages at Glasgow University and got his first taste of working in the media hosting hospital radio at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

He said: "I travelled all over the world.

"I worked in Spain for a few years on shows about buying properties abroad, I was in Australia for a year and in France and Portugal.

"It was day-time TV.

"I did a spell at the BBC, and independent film companies, I also worked freelance.

"Then I moved onto the business side, becoming a media consultant setting up TV channels and became a senior executive for Viacom.

"So I started out as a runner and ended up in the boardroom of an American movie company."

Jamie, a Conservative West of Scotland list MSP, is excited about the new RIG Arts Film School which is due to open this year at the Tobacco Warehouse in in Clarence Street, Greenock.

He said: “It is fantastic news that this new film school will be opening in Greenock, giving young people the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the film industry.

“Historically, Inverclyde has punched well above its weight when it has come to producing media and TV stars, whether it is One Foot in the Grave’s Richard Wilson, Holby City’s Stella Gonet, or the legendary Chic Murray.

"I think 'lights, camera, action!’ is part of the fabric of Inverclyde and the new film school will help continue this strong tradition of film-making on the Clyde and offer opportunities for the next generation of storytellers and technicians."

Jamie says he had to leave Scotland to pursue a career TV as there were few opportunities in Glasgow or Edinburgh at that time.

After he returned he became shadow spokesman for transport and infrastructure, technology, connectivity and the digital economy as well as digital broadcasting.

He told the Tele: “Having had a lengthy career myself in TV production prior to entering politics, as well as having sat on the Scottish Parliament’s culture committee, I know how hugely valuable this industry is to Scotland and what a fantastic and exciting career choice it can be."