Media Release
Tuesday 14th November
New agency puts films first
The Film Agency for Wales, established to proactively facilitate the work of those who are in, or aspire to be in, the film industry in Wales, is officially launched today as part of the Cardiff Film Festival celebrations.
As part of the launch, the Agency will announce its first feature film co-financing venture, with the support of Arts Council of Wales lottery funds. The film, entitled Flick, which will commence production in and around Cardiff in early January, will be the work of David Howard, a Welsh born writer-director making his feature debut, having previously directed several network documentaries.
The film will be sold internationally by AV Pictures, who previously represented the commercial hit, Dog Soldiers, and will be helmed by Welsh-based producer, Rik Hall, and veteran producer, Pippa Cross (Shooting Dogs, Vanity Fair). Co-financiers include Finance Wales' IP Fund; Cardiff and Caernarfon based post-production facility, Derwen; and private equity.
Pauline Burt, Film Agency for Wales' Chief Executive, said, "The launch of the Film Agency for Wales is an important milestone for the Welsh film industry and for those wishing to play a part in its future. Launching at the Cardiff Film Festival is a good fit for us as this event focuses on profiling Wales and its filmmaking talent, in conjunction with providing a professional industry forum.
"As an Agency we hope over the coming months to play an increasingly important role in nurturing and supporting almost every facet of the film making process – from development to production, through to exhibition and education – to deliver a dynamic and sustainable film industry in Wales. More information on these key elements of our work is available on our website: www.filmagencywales.co.uk.
"Our announcement of support for Flick clearly demonstrates our commitment to supporting key Welsh filmmaking talent. I'm delighted we are collaborating with Welsh co-financiers, Finance Wales and Derwen on this project, which is indicative of the Welsh Assembly Government's Creative Industries Strategy producing tangible results, by fostering productive and meaningful collaboration in the sector.
Rik Hall, Producer with Monster Films Wales, said "The support and advice of both Pauline Burt and Britt Harrison at the Film Agency for Wales has been hugely instrumental in bringing the film to life. The Film Agency together with the IP fund and Barcud Derwen have allowed this project to come to fruition here in Wales, which as well as being fantastic for us, is also a boost to the Welsh Film industry and its technicians."
Peter Tyndall, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, added, "This is a great day for film in Wales. We now have a dedicated agency committed to filmmaking and staffed by individuals who know the industry inside out. Pauline and her team are there to provide as much assistance and support to film professionals in this country as possible and ensure we can produce more and more films of the highest quality in Wales."
Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, said, "The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to delivering a vibrant and sustainable film industry in Wales and I wish the Film Agency for Wales well in its endeavours. The establishment of the Agency and its central role in bringing a number of key creative partners together will undoubtedly deliver a significant long-term boost for the aspirations of those working in the film industry in Wales, not only today but also generating employment opportunities in the future."
The Film Agency for Wales is funded by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government (Creative Business Wales) and the UK Film Council.
ENDS
For further information please contact Rhodri Ellis Owen or Lleucu Cooke at Cambrensis Communications on 029 20 257075.
More information is available from the Film Agency for Wales website
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