Written by on Jun 19, 2013. Posted in On Location

Wales could expand local filming crew base with funding boost

A funding boost for creative industries training in Wales could prompt growth in the country’s specialist filming crew base. Creative Skillset Cymru’s Skills for the Digital Economy Programme has won additional funding of GBP500,000 to help launch new training courses over the next year.

More than 170 training places will be available in Wales in specialist skills ranging from editing and production management through to business skills and hair and make-up. Oscar-winning and BAFTA-winning industry professionals will run the training directly.

“It is vital that we continue to support the development of the creative industries and drive the skills agenda in Wales,” said Rhidian Dafydd, Project Manager at Creative Skillset Cymru: “I am delighted that we are able to build on the success of the programme to ensure our creative talent can grow and flourish by delivering new and exciting training.”

Television drama Da Vinci’s Demons (above) is one of the latest high-profile productions to film on location in Wales, having shot its first season in and around Swansea, which doubled for 15th Century Italy. In addition, the BBC recently chose a facility in Chepstow to film studio scenes for its upcoming drama Atlantis.

To find out more about Da Vinci's Demons filming in Wales click here.

(Main page image: Jvhertum; Da Vinci’s Demons photo © 2013 Tonto Films and Television Limited)