The last 12 months look set to be the Welsh Government’s busiest yet for supporting TV and film production Economy Secretary Ken Skates has said
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Speaking on St David’s Day, Wales’ Economy Secretary said that latest estimated figures indicated the productions filmed in Wales with Welsh Government assistance will result in around an additional £55m being injected into Wales’ economy in 2017/18 alone, continuing an upward trajectory for the sector.
Wales’ Economy Secretary, Ken Skates said:
As a Welsh Government we have taken a conscious decision to grow our creative sector. We have been working hard to attract high-end TV and film productions to Wales, and to ensure we maximise the associated economic benefits.
Our reward for this effort has been a steep increase in the number of Welsh Government assisted productions filmed in Wales, and a corresponding rise in the amount of money injected into our economy as a result.
Indeed for every £1 the Welsh Government invests into TV and Film production we are seeing an average of £8 being spent within the Welsh Economy.
Our hard work and investment has helped us to develop Wales’ reputation as a centre of excellence for high-end television drama production; as a country that is geared up to support the sector and as a strong and affordable alternative to London.
We have developed an infrastructure of complementary studio facilities along the M4 corridor, providing facilities for different types of production, from film to TV and animation.
And we have recently bolstered this with Wolf Studios Wales in Cardiff which has a maximum eaves height of around 57ft making it attractive to producers of high-end US TV drama productions and big budget films.
The results of our hard work and investment are speaking for themselves. As a result of Welsh Government financial and practical support, Welsh spend in the creative sector, has increased from over £35m in 2016/17 to, we anticipate around £55m by the end of this financial year.
Already in 2018 productions filmed in Wales such as Journeys End, Britannia, Kiri, Requiem and Keeping Faith have made a splash with viewers and critics alike. And with a record slate of productions worth in excess of £500m coming to Wales via Bad Wolf, BBC, Pinewood, Boom and others I am confident we can continue this upward trajectory into the next financial year.
Wales’ Creative Talent will also be on show in London on St David’s Day as the Visit Wales Year of the Sea film will be back on our screens on 1 March. It is a mini epic of discovery and adventure starring Hollywood actor Luke Evans, directed by Marc Evans (Hinterland, Safe House, Trauma) that offers a bird’s eye view of the country’s beautiful seascapes and encourages people to find out more about what Wales has to offer during Year of the Sea 2018.