Wales has long been a destination of choice for film and TV production companies looking for the perfect location. The country has played a key role in hit dramas such as Doctor Who and Sherlock.

But it is the supply chain of companies and firms behind the camera which provide the backbone to the industry.

Doctor Who in Wales

According to the most recent Welsh Government figures, 75,000 people work in the creative economy in Wales. Of these, nearly 50,000 work in the creative industries, and around 25,000 work in creative occupations outside the creative industries.

Casting

Wales is now home to several casting agencies, including Creative Casting Wales run by Neath-born Jacqui Morris.

Ms Morris set up the company in 2007 after making several appearances as a supporting actor in Pobol y Cwm, Casualty and Doctor Who, as well as a number of films.

It has built strong links with production crews, gaining repeat business with major productions for BBC, ITV, S4C AND Sky including Doctor Who, Casualty, Stella, Hinterland and Gwaith Cartref.

“With more than 1,500 people registered with the agency, 95% of whom are based in Wales and working on productions filmed here in Wales, we are able to satisfy almost any brief given to us by a production crew however impossible it may sound.

“We pride ourselves in being able to accurately interpret the director’s requirements and then using our state of the art databases, we are able to match potential candidates that satisfy the brief,” she said.

Extras Casting which is based in Newport and has worked on productions such as Casualty and Broadchurch. It is now working on the fifth series of the TV show Stella.

A spokeswoman for Extras said: “Anyone can be a supporting artist, there are no set age restrictions or specific requirements. The TV and film industries need people of all shapes, sizes, colour and gender.

“Good looks and acting talent are not a prerequisite, however they do need to be reliable, trustworthy and committed.”

The agency recently supplied supporting artists ranging from 14 weeks to over 81 years of age. Its next recruitment day will be held on May 2 at The Riverfront Theatre in Newport.

Catering

Filming can involve long days and nights and catering is crucial to keeping everyone involved at the top of their game.

Just Perfect Catering, which is based in Bridgend, began trading in 2009 and now employs more than 100 people.

The firm began working in the film and TV industry in 2012 and a spokeswoman for Just Perfect said: “We offer a bespoke food service, working with each production’s budgets, we provide Welsh products throughout the day, from breakfast through to evening snacks.

“We use local suppliers which means with any work we are awarded the contract not only benefits us with more job creation but also benefits our local suppliers.

“Our food miles are very low, and mileage to each location is kept to the minimum with production companies choosing to use a Welsh company based in Wales.

“[In] the next few years we see filming in Wales as a huge opportunity. We just need an opportunity to showcase Welsh location catering companies as some production companies use companies from away and we need to encourage the use of the amazing facilities we already have within Wales, to increase job creation and support local Welsh businesses.”

Security

Film sets and premieres need protection and several firms in Wales now offer that protection. James Broad runs Citi Security in Cardiff which has been providing protection to film and TV productions for six years.

He said: “The film industry in Wales is growing because from our experience it is embraced by everyone. Citi Security works on premieres and productions in London and Cardiff and works closely with Sky TV.

Mr Broad added: “Our role breaks down depending on the stage that the film has reached. We do a lot of premieres which is the final stage prior to a film’s release and that stage is about protecting the integrity of the film.”
The Citi Security boss said security levels can depend on the popularity of a show and the rise of social media has led to a larger interest in people attending filming locations.
He said: “Numbers of people appear and you have to ensure their safety as well as the integrity of the production.”
Mr Broad said firms in Wales and Cardiff are well respected in the industry and added: “People have a very high regard for the fact you come from Cardiff and that you are Welsh. You don’t have to be a London-based company to be taken seriously.”

Trailers

Andy Dixon Facilities provides production trailers and equipment to the TV and film industry. The Bridgend-based firm recently opened a base at Pinewood Studios Wales and took on 10 extra staff after securing a Welsh Government SME Capital Grant worth £250,000.

The company started in 2001 employing 12 people and has grown to employ 70 people, all of whom are based in South Wales. It provides support to TV and film productions across the UK and Europe, and has recently worked on major productions including Wolf Hall, Stella, Da Vinci’s Demons and Everest, a film due for release later this year starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Keira Knightley.

Director Laurence Wells said: “At one time the TV and film industries were very London-centric, but with organisations such as BBC Wales becoming a centre of excellence for drama, the opening of Pinewood Studios Wales and major productions like Da Vinci’s Demons being shot here, it is clear that the creative industries are booming in Wales.

“And, that’s not a great surprise when you consider the diversity of the landscape available for filming.”

News Source: Wales Online