Talent Attraction Scheme ensures bright outlook for Welsh broadcasting sector
Improved opportunities for network commissions are just around the corner for Welsh production companies thanks to a unique partnership between Skillset, Creative Business Wales, Pact and major Broadcasters.
The partnership today announced the first independent production companies to receive funding from the Talent Attraction Scheme.
The companies, selected by an expert panel including senior executives from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, are: Rondo Media, Green Bay and Indus.
Jointly funded by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media, and Creative Business Wales through the support of the Welsh Assembly Government the scheme provides financial support Welsh production companies to recruit senior production talent for three years.
The initiative will boost the Welsh broadcast sector by using senior producers' existing reputation and connections to bring significant network commissions to Wales. They will also provide training and mentoring for the next wave of senior production talent.
The participating broadcasters have also indicated they will provide participating companies with access to their relevant commissioning teams.
Chief Executive of Skillset, Dinah Caine, said:
"Together Skillset and Creative Business Wales, with the support of the Pact, the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, are delivering more than just plans and strategies.
"This initiative is real. It's on the ground. And it provides a long term Welsh solution for building capability and structures to develop a highly skilled workforce to service major productions.
"We know that Wales is capable of producing world-class productions through shows like Doctor Who and Torchwood. This scheme provides the perfect platform which can springboard the Welsh production industry into being a major player both nationally and internationally," she said.
Chief Executive of Pact, John McVay, hailed the initiative as a breakthrough for the industry.
"The first awards to come for the Talent Attraction Scheme are clear proof that it is possible for Pact, public agencies and broadcasters to respond to the needs and ambitions of independent producers in the Nations and Regions in the UK.
"These three companies will use this investment to develop their markets, win more network commissions and ensure the future growth and sustainability of independent production in Wales.
"The foresight that has been shown by the funding bodies should be applauded and should serve as a model for other regions of the UK," he said.
The panel experts welcomed the announcement.
"The standard of applications was extremely high and the three companies chosen made exceptional presentations," Emma Barker, editor of the ITV Nations and Regions Production Fund, said.
Stuart Cosgrove, Channel 4 Director of Nations and Regions, said: "We were very impressed with the conviction shown by the companies and there is every hope for future creative company growth in Wales.
Krishan Arora, Independents Executive at BBC Vision praised the ambition of the Welsh production sector.
"I know the senior producers hired through this scheme can make a real difference, and land BBC commissions which will benefit the whole sector."
"Our commissioners will be working closely with them to give them every chance of success," he said.
Ends
Notes
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.
Pact is the UK trade association that represents the commercial interests of independent feature film, television, animation and interactive media companies. It is the largest representative group of screen-based content producers in the UK and the largest trade association in the film, television and interactive media sectors.
For all media enquiries contact:
Nick Gowland
020 7713 9812 / 07598 160 802
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