Economy Secretary, Ken Skates says that Wales’ bumper year of TV and film production is ending on a high with news that another two exciting dramas have chosen Wales as a filming location.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Journey’s End, a feature film based on the classic play by R. C. Sherriff isset in the trenches in 1918 and has recently completed filming at Pinewood Studios in Cardiff.
It follows a small group of soldiers as they wait for an enemy offensive and anticipate their imminent death.
The production features a host of household names including Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany, Toby Jones and Asa Butterfield. It was adapted by Simon Reade and directed by Saul Dibb whose previous films include Suite Francaise, The Duchess and Bullet Boy.
Meanwhile filming of Born to Kill, Channel 4’s intense new psychological thriller from Line of Duty producers World Productions is also underway in the Welsh capital.
Born to Kill stars Romola Garrai (The Hour, Suffragette) and Daniel Mays (Made in Dagenham, Line of Duty, Rogue One: A Star Wars story) as the single parents of two out-of-control teens. It is the first commission for female writing duo Tracey Malone (Rillington Place) and first time TV writer and BIFA-nominated actress Kate Ashfield.
Speaking about the latest productions being filmed in Wales, Economy Secretary, Ken Skates said:
“Journey’s End and Born to Kill join an ever growing list of prestigious productions, including Will, Da Vinci’s Demons, The Bastard Executioner, Sherlock and The Collection, being filmed in Wales as a result of Welsh Government support.
“This is no coincidence as we are working hard to attract these sorts of productions to Wales and offering a comprehensive package of support including helping production companies to identify the right studios and locations and supporting them to find highly skilled, local crew.
“Attracting high end drama production to Wales brings many benefits.
“Not only does it generate direct and indirect economic benefits while filming is ongoing, it also brings interesting and fulfilling job opportunities and promotes Wales on an international stage, highlighting our stunning scenery, picturesque locations and wonderful landscapes Wales. And of course all of this helps bring tourists to Wales
“It is clear that our proactive approach is paying dividends and that our reputation as a country that supports and facilitates drama production is continuing to grow.
“2016 really has been a bumper year for TV production and we look forward to more exciting productions coming to Wales in 2017.”
Guy de Beaujeu, producer of Journey’s End said:
“Filming in Wales gave us access to a wide range of locations not previously seen in film or TV, which is always a bonus particularly when filming period dramas. We enjoyed our time in Cardiff.”