Iconic film company, Pinewood Studios, will create a world-class studio in Wales.
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.
The deal between Welsh Government and Pinewood is set to generate an estimated £90million spend with Welsh businesses.
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.
Announcing the new studio, the First Minister, said: “This deal with Pinewood is a major coup for Wales.
“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.”
The announcement has been welcomed by leading members of the creative industries and acting community in 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.”
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