The Welsh Government has agreed an exclusive deal with iconic film company Pinewood Studios to create a world-class new studio – Pinewood Studio Wales – at Cardiff.
First Minister Carwyn Jones unveiled the new studio plans at a press conference with Economy Minister Edwina Hart, who struck the deal, and Pinewood Shepperton plc Chief Executive Officer Ivan Dunleavy.
The new 180,000 sq ft studios facility will be created at the former Energy Centre building at Wentloog, Cardiff, and will form part of Pinewood’s global network of film studios. (Location details below)
The deal between Welsh Government and Pinewood is set to generate an estimated £90million spend with Welsh businesses.
Announcing the new studio, the First Minister said: “After the glitz and glamour of last night’s BAFTA awards, I can reveal that the Welsh Government has secured one of the biggest prizes in the British film and television industry. This deal with Pinewood is a major coup for Wales.”
He said: “Attracting such an iconic global brand as Pinewood is wonderful news for Wales. Pinewood is synonymous with world class British and international productions, including the James Bond film franchise and is home to some of the most successful feature films ever made.
“This high-profile investment is of significant economic value to Wales while the partnership between the Welsh Government and Pinewood offers a priceless opportunity to promote Wales as a world class location for film and television production.
“This is a great example of how we are proactive in attracting business to Wales. We approached Pinewood when we heard they faced a lack of studio capacity and seized this opportunity to bring this world class brand to Wales.”
Economy Minister Edwina Hart, who led a trade visit to Los Angeles last year to raise the Welsh profile in Hollywood, said:”Pinewood is synonymous with British film. The Welsh Government will invest up to £30m into projects brought forward by Pinewood and aimed at increasing film and TV production in Wales.
“It also opens the door for further, future investment providing additional growth opportunities. This new partnership is great news and supports the Welsh Government’s commitment to stimulating the economy through supporting our key sectors that have the potential to create employment and wealth.
“Over the past twelve months Wales has supported two major high end television productions – Da Vinci’s Demons and Atlantis – and this new partnership with Pinewood will undoubtedly propel Wales further onto the international stage.”
Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive Officer, Pinewood Shepperton plc said:
“We are delighted to have agreed with the Welsh Government to advise it on its television and film funding initiative. This builds on our success with Pinewood Pictures and managing the Isle of Man Treasury Film and Television Fund. Our combined advisory investment funds now total £55 million making them one of the largest investment portals for new British television and film content”.
“The new fund together with the new facility will do much to boost the Welsh film and television sector. The fund is also another step forward for creating a sustainable UK film and television production centre”.
Pinewood and Shepperton Studios have been home to more than 1,500 films in more than 75 years, including the James Bond franchise, and Carry On series. There are over 241 independent, media related companies based at Pinewood and Shepperton’s Media hub.
The announcement has been welcomed by leading members of the creative industries and acting community in Wales.
Reaction from the Industry
Ron Jones, chair of the Welsh Government’s Creative Industries Panel and chief executive of Tinopolis, said: “The Welsh Government is committed to Wales playing a full part in the global film and television industry, helping Welsh companies to succeed internationally and bringing the international market to Wales.
“Over recent years Wales has been the home of a wide range of successful drama projects for film and television. The decision to launch this new development reflects Wales’ drama successes and the role played by government support.
“Wales is building for the first time a critical mass of television and film expertise with the potential to compete globally. For the local industry and the economy this is great day.”
Actor Matthew Rhys welcomed the Pinewood Studios Wales opening as an opportunity for Welsh talent to work in Wales.
He said: “This is more good news for Wales, and recognition of our place on the world stage as a destination for film and television drama production. Pinewood is a massive name in film and it’s great that more of the many talented people in Wales will now have a chance to ply their trade at home. Having a studio like this on their doorstep will also inspire a new generation of actors and film makers from Wales.”
Actor Michael Sheen said:
“This appears to be great news for Wales and a logical next step building upon the huge success of the revitalized Welsh entertainment industry. It’s always a precarious business to attempt such a large undertaking, but it points to the confidence, the expertise and the creative spirit of the people of Wales and I hope it can help the country come closer to realising its hopes for the future.”
Award winning production designer Ed Thomas whose credits include Da Vinci’s Demons, Doctor Who and Torchwood said:
“Attracting Pinewood to Wales is a real testament and vote of confidence to the creative film and television industry here. Its brand and unique history are second to none in the studio business and for them to have chosen Wales as their second home can only be a good thing for an ever expanding sector.
“As someone who actively promotes and works in the industry here I am continually surprised when I meet producers from around the world who still have no idea of our country’s contribution to film and television. Pinewood will provide much needed attention at promoting Wales at the highest level so I welcome the decision greatly”.