Swansea plays a starring role in post war Parisian drama THE COLLECTION

Swansea is one of the unexpected stars of a major new drama depicting life in the fashion industry in post war Paris.

THE COLLECTION which has received financial backing from Welsh Government, is a gripping new historical drama that has premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime. 

The new series is made up of eight hour long episodes and features an impressive ensemble cast which includes Richard Coyle ( Coupling, Crossbones) and Tom Riley (Da Vinci’s Demons).

Though set in Paris, THE COLLECTION was filmed mostly in  Swansea and was supported by investment from the Welsh Government’s Media Investment Budget. A significant proportion of the generous budget for this ambitious show was spent in Wales. Read more.

Flame Media Group launch new production division in Cardiff A highly successful independent Australian TV production and distribution company has chosen Wales as its new European production centre in a move that is supported by the Welsh Government and seen as a major boost for the rapidly expanding sector in Wales. Representing over 100 international producers, Flame is a global distribution business with 2,500 hours of content currently on sale to established and emerging markets across the world. The company’s expansion and significant inward investment into its Cardiff operation is supported and backed by business finance from the Welsh Government.  The new entity, Wildflame Productions, will create over 20 highly skilled full time posts and will support up to 200 freelance jobs. It is estimated that in excess of £1m will be spent within the Welsh supply chain and freelance staff community within the first year, rising to over £7m by year five.  Read more.

Decline& Fall TV drama to be filmed in South Wales BBC Two’s new three-part adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s classic comedy satire Decline and Fall is to be filmed in South Wales after securing backing from the Welsh Government’s Wales Screen Fund. Principal photography has commenced with a star studded cast that includes Jack Whitehall (Bad Education, Fresh Meat), David Suchet (Agatha Christie’s Poirot), Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) and Douglas Hodge (Penny Dreadful). Welsh Government is providing financial support to Tiger Aspect Drama and Cave Bear Productions who, it is anticipated, will spend around £1.8m in Wales.   Read more.  Image courtesy of Tiger Aspect Productions - Whitehall in costume on his first day of filming in Atlantic College, St Donats Castle.

Welsh Government invests in development of High-End TV The Welsh Government, advised by Pinewood Pictures, has invested in the development of a High-End television series, Minotaur, from the ambitious North Wales based production company, Mad as Birds. It is the second television project supported by the Welsh Government’s Media Investment Budget. Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates said: “I am particularly pleased the Media Investment Budget is supporting home grown talent like Mad as Birds and that our funding will ensure the majority of filming takes place in Wales.  Read more.

Starring role for stunning Welsh locations as Their Finest gets the red carpet treatment at global film premiere Their Finest – a period romantic comedy filmed extensively in Wales - had its world premiere at a gala screening at Toronto International Film Festival with stunning Welsh locations and breathtaking landscapes sharing a starring role with the celebrated cast.  Read more.

Made in Wales feature film to premiere at FrightFest 441 Films’ debut feature film, Cruel Summer, has been selected for showing at FrightFest - the UK’s largest International genre film festival showcasing the best horror, Sci-Fi and thriller films.  With business development support from the Welsh Government’s creative industry team, the Cardiff company has helped create material for boutique film distribution labels around the world. Marking the film’s premiere, it was shown on 27th August at the VUE cinema in Shepherds Bush London as part of FrightFest’s Discovery Screen. Find out more on twitter by following @441films Image – courtesy of 441 Films – behind the scenes of Cruel Summer

Fly Cardiff to London City in an hour Essential links between Cardiff and London are being strengthened with a temporary air service. Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has announced that it is stepping in to offer ‘rescue flights’ for the six week Severn Tunnel closure. Business and tourism travellers can fly to the heart of Canary Wharf up to three times a day from 12 September – 21 October 2016.  Read more and book here.

Best in Creative Wales Wales is a nation of exceptional people. Do you know people doing remarkable things and making a real difference in the Creative Industries in Wales? Now’s your chance to nominate them for a St David Award -  the highest accolades given by Welsh Government to outstanding individuals and teams deserving national recognition. We are especially keen that your biggest success stories are in the running for one of the 8 publicly nominated Awards such as Enterprise, Innovation Science and Technology, Culture or the International Award. In the 2016 Awards, TV Producer Julie Gardner MBE, who was instrumental in reviving the Welsh TV production industry, won the International Award for promoting Wales to the US TV industry. We’re sure there are many more great success stories within the creative industries such as this, deserving national recognition.  Don’t miss this opportunity to raise the profile of your organisation and industry. Nominate here until 21 October 2016.

Welsh tech company wins chance to pitch at Europe’s largest interactive games & entertainment event

A small Cardiff business specialising in interactive digital resources for the education sector is one of five international winners – and the only one from the UK – chosen to pitch at Gamescom in Cologne. 

Eiry Thomas, founder of The Flitlits Ltd., will be given the chance to pitch her products to potential investors, publishers and concept licensees on License Day – the trade day for licensing and games development.

Eiry had support from the Welsh Government’s Digital Development Fund to create a series of bilingual interactive apps based on the  adventures of The Flitlits /Y Sbridion - characters she created to help improve literacy skills in youngsters.  Read more.

We want your views on M4 congestion solution

Businesses are being asked for their views as a solution to congestion on the M4 moves a step closer.

Economy and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates has announced an independent Public Local Inquiry into the M4 Corridor around Newport project.

The inquiry is set to commence in Newport this autumn.

We’d like to hear your views - please visit our M4 website for more information.

First Minister announces business confidence plan and new jobs and growth fund

The First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced a business confidence plan and a new fund to support jobs and growth as part of the Welsh Government’s response to the EU referendum result.

Speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the Council for Economic Renewal in Cardiff Mr Jones said the Welsh Government wanted to assure businesses and inward investors that Wales remains open for business.  Read more.

Employment in Wales at its highest rate on record

The First Minister has responded to the latest labour market statistics – which shows employment in Wales is at its highest rate on record.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Employment in Wales today stands at its highest rate on record, while over the past year the number of people unemployed in Wales has fallen by 30,000 to its lowest level since 2006.”  Read more.

Independent final evaluation report highlights Wales JEREMIE Fund’s significant contribution to supporting Welsh SMEs

An independent evaluation report by Regeneris Consulting and Oldbell3 has highlighted the success of the European-backed Wales JEREMIE Fund managed by Finance Wales, praising its significant contribution to supporting Welsh small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) between 2009 and 2015.

The wide-ranging final evaluation concluded that the £157.5 million Fund became a critical part of the business finance landscape in Wales, improving access to finance for Welsh SMEs and providing them with significant capital support when conditions in the business finance market were particularly challenging.  Read more.

Digital Tuesday

Digital Tuesday is a monthly get together of the digital community passionate about driving opportunities and growth through digital technologies.

Held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, the events are a mix of informative talks, lively debates and fun networking to share knowledge, stimulate ideas and make things happen. If you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, innovator, investor, developer, coder, start up, up start, educator, trainer or policy maker then find out more and register your interest here.

MIPCOM –– 17- 20 October 2016, Cannes, France

MIPCOM is the annual global market for entertainment content across all platforms, with a focus on buying, selling, financing and distribution and is attended by the industry’s major players looking for new and innovative content.

Attended by 4,600 buyers, Mipcom provides a conference and events’ programme, an extensive exhibition space, keynotes and screenings making it the ideal place to network and showcase your company, content and concepts to maximise visibility.

The Welsh Government will have a presence on the UKTI/PACT Indies Stand where Welsh Government officials will be available throughout the market to facilitate industry introductions for indigenous companies.  Register your interest.

WOMEX – 19-23 October 2016, Galicia, Spain

WOMEX is an international market and exhibition of World music, bringing together music professionals. One of the genres is music of Celtic origin, offering significant opportunities for trade and inward investment. The Welsh Government Creative Industries team is working with Cerdd Cymru on the Welsh presence at WOMEX to promote the Welsh creative industries and increase economic activity.  Register your interest.

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