Wales: A Rising Star in Television Production
Wales has become a popular destination for television production in recent years, with a variety of settings, both fictional and real, being brought to life in the country. The landscape and soundstages in Wales have attracted not only UK productions but also American TV studios seeking unique and fresh locations for their series. The strong production ecosystem, world-class crews, facilities, and creative talent in Wales have made it a creative hub for content creation.
BritBox, a streaming service, released "The Other Bennet Sister," a co-production with the BBC, which utilized several locations in Wales to represent England. The series showcased the beauty of Wales, including Merthyr Mawr House, Dyffryn Gardens, and Bannau Brycheiniog. Other series like "Death Valley" and "Mudtown" have also taken advantage of the distinctive landscapes in Wales to create a sense of place that sets them apart from other productions.
Wales has been featured in various TV series, sometimes playing itself, as seen in shows like "Gavin & Stacey" and "Under Salt Marsh." The dramatic mountains and seascapes of Wales have served as fantastical locations in series like "House of the Dragon" and "His Dark Materials." Additionally, Wales has proven to be a viable alternative to London for many productions, with shows like "Industry" choosing to film primarily in Wales.
Bad Wolf, a production company founded by Jane Tranter, has played a significant role in Wales' production boom. The company, headquartered in Cardiff, has established soundstages and nurtured a skilled crew base in Wales. The Welsh government has also been supportive of the creative industries, providing funding and resources to productions through Creative Wales, an economic development agency.
The decision to base productions in Wales has proven to be beneficial creatively and financially. Showrunners and producers have praised the access to great crews, incredible locations, and the opportunity to showcase new and unexplored places on camera. The oversaturation of shooting locations in and around London has led many productions to seek out the unique and diverse landscapes that Wales has to offer.
Even nonfiction shows like "Welcome to Wrexham" have contributed to the growth and visibility of Wales. The vision of Creative Wales is to support storytelling in Wales and about Wales, showcasing the country's rich heritage and culture on a global stage. The thriving creative industry in Wales is not only exciting for the productions themselves but also for the future of Welsh arts and culture.