First Minister Carwyn Jones visits Pinewood Studio Wales

The new 180,000 sq ft studio has been created at the Welsh Government owned former Energy Centre building at Wentloog, Cardiff, and forms part of Pinewood’s global network of studios.

Today’s visit takes place as the first script read through of the studio’s first production takes place on site. The Fox 21 Television Studios, Imagine Television and FX Productions drama pilot, The Bastard Executioner, is being filmed at Pinewood Studio Wales and locations throughout South Wales.

Since plans for the studio were unveiled by the First Minister, the Economy Minister and Pinewood Group plc last year, the facility has been undergoing a comprehensive fit out and now includes 70,000 sq ft of production space, split into two 20,000 sq ft stages and an additional 30,000 sq ft of shooting floor and additional facilities such as production office space, art and costume department facilities, set workshops, dressing rooms and hair and makeup.

Space has also been made available to small enterprises within the creative industries sector with a view to creating a hub for small creative businesses which provide services to Pinewood and other production companies.

The First Minister said:

“The creative industries are flourishing in Wales and the opening of Pinewood Studio Wales follows on from several successful productions which have been filmed in Wales recently. It is excellent news and an important step in the ongoing growth of our creative Industries sector.

“The fact Pinewood has chosen to open a facility in Wales and so many production companies are filming here is testament to our beautiful landscape, vibrant cities, wonderful historical assets; our highly skilled and dedicated workforce; and the flexible support on offer from the Welsh Government. These combine to make our nation an excellent place to produce high quality film and television.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:

“The opening of Pinewood Studio Wales is fantastic news. It is a high-profile investment and is of significant economic value to Wales which also offers a priceless opportunity to promote Wales as a world class location for film and television production.

“We are already reaping the benefits of Pinewood being here with local people employed at the studio and local companies winning vital contracts with global productions.”

Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive Officer of Pinewood Group plc said:

“Pinewood Studio Wales is off to an encouraging start, garnering considerable interest from tenants and productions in the UK film and television sector. I’m delighted that our dedicated team in Wales have ensured the Studio is fully operational.  The opening coincided with figures released in January from the Department for Culture Media and Sport, showing the sector’s growth has reached record highs, and is now worth £76.9 billion per year to the UK economy.”

Through Pinewood Pictures, its film and television investment vehicle, Pinewood also advises on the Welsh Government’s £30m Media Investment Budget, which invests in film and high-end television productions that shoot 50% of principal photography in Wales. The first production to benefit from the fund, Take Down, was filmed on location in Wales and the Isle of Man last year using mainly Welsh crew.