Family fantasy adventure series Atlantis – with the second series currently being filmed in Monmouthshire – has created significant direct and indirect economic benefits for Wales, Economy Minister Edwina Hart announced today.
On a visit to the Atlantis film studios near Chepstow, Mrs Hart said the first series had brought a significant investment to the local area.
The ambitious 13-part series launched on BBC One last autumn with an opening episode that pulled in a Live +7 audience of 8.4 million viewers, making Atlantis the biggest new Saturday night drama series launch across all channels since Robin Hood in 2006.
The first series also provided more than 100 work placements, giving students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working on the production. In addition, up to 100 freelance workers in the local creative industries were employed during the seven month shoot.
The Welsh Government has provided support for both series of the BBC1 fantasy drama produced by Urban Myth Films.
After the visit the Minister said: “Creative industries is a priority sector for the Welsh economy and the direct and indirect benefits of major high end TV dramas like Atlantis, that are filmed in Wales, are considerable.
“Atlantis has enjoyed a huge critical and ratings success, with consolidated figures in the UK of over eight million for the opening episode. When it was transmitted on BBC America in October 2013 the channel received the highest ever-viewing figures for a season premier.
“This provides a further boost to Wales’ profile as a first class location for high end TV production. The exposure is invaluable and sends out a strong signal that in Wales we have the talent, the skills and the resources to support the very best in TV and film production.
“I congratulate Urban Myth Films on their success and am delighted they chose to film this series in Wales with Welsh Government support.”
Sara Hamill, Head of Production at Urban Myth Films said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister onto the set and appreciate the support of the Welsh Government. It is great to be working in Wales again with an extremely talented team and we are pleased to have been able to help students gain experience and work placements.”
Atlantis series two was re-commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One and Ben Stephenson Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning, and is created by Urban Myth Films for BBC One through BBC Cymru Wales. Julian Murphy, Johnny Capps and Howard Overman are the executive producers for Urban Myth Films and Bethan Jones is the executive producer for BBC Cymru Wales.A