Huge investment in Wales TV and Film Production
Cardiff Capital Region City Deal (CCR) that’s about to shake up the film and TV production scene by investing in Wales. They’re throwing a whopping £12 million from the Strategic Premises Fund into the mix to supercharge the development of Great Point Seren Studios in Cardiff. Their vision? To turn this place into one of Europe’s top dogs when it comes to making movies and TV shows.
And they’re not going it alone. They’ve teamed up with the Welsh Government’s Creative Wales agency, which is chipping in with a cool £6 million grant. Plus, Great Point Media, who recently bought the place from the Welsh Government (after renting it since 2020), is putting in an extra £21 million.
So, what’s the big deal with Great Point Seren Studios?
First off, that £12 million is going toward a major facelift for the studio. They’re not just looking to meet the current production needs; they’re aiming for the stars. This revamp is set to create over 500 jobs and turbocharge the entire region’s creative scene. And that’s not all. They’re also planning to build a training facility that will help folks in the area pick up new skills and become a part of the action. Plus, they’re dreaming of making the studio a hub for virtual production, which is an amazing development.
Epic Studio Space and More
Picture this: 257,000 sq. ft of top-notch production space spread across four cutting-edge studios. That’s what’s on the menu. And they’re doing it in two phases to make sure everything’s tip-top. More space means more opportunity, right?
Freelancers, Rejoice!
Freelancers are going to love this. They’re planning to support up to 750 freelance crew members each year, which is a big jump from the current 250. That’s fantastic news for all the talented folks looking to get in on the action.
Welcoming Great Point Studios as a Neighbour
Great Point Studios will be calling Wales home sweet home from now on. Yep, the studio’s new HQ is going to be right here, Investing in Wales in the future of production.
Dawn Bowden, Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport, and Tourism for the Welsh Government, is pumped about what this investment means for Wales as a booming location for film and TV production. David TC Davies MP, the Welsh Secretary, is all about drawing talent to Wales, creating jobs, and sparking some major growth.
Cllr Anthony Hunt, who leads Torfaen County Borough Council and chairs CCR’s Regional Cabinet, can’t stop gushing about the scale and sustainability of this project. He thinks it’s a perfect fit for CCR’s ambitions and their commitment to growing the region the right way.
Rob Quinn, the Associate Director at CBRE Capital Advisors, knows that the CCR loan is the secret sauce that’s going to make Great Point Seren Studios shine. He’s also thrilled about the studio’s green vibes, aiming for that BREEAM Excellent rating, which shows they’re all about being eco-friendly.
In addition to the eco goals, this studio’s design makes it super flexible, making it a magnet for all sorts of projects and talent. It’s safe to say that South Wales is well on its way to becoming a top-notch film hub.
So, get ready for some lights, camera, action in Wales. Great Point Seren Studios and the Cardiff Capital Region are about to steal the show by investing in Wales! We can’t wait to see what new productions are coming.
