The Welsh capital of Cardiff has become an unlikely hub for the television and film sector.
Government support through public sector procurement has seen the industry boom over the past few years, with private companies from around the world now listing Cardiff as a potential destination for investment. The Welsh capital makes a lot of sense for film and television productions as they offer cost advantages and ideal locations that can be used universally. Organisations such as Wales Screen Commission and Film Agency for Wales are also on hand to help with funding and logistics.
Although St Mary Street in the city may not live up to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles’ Sunset Boulevard, because of the size of Cardiff and its growing film-making community, firms are benefitting from interconnectivity which is seldom afforded elsewhere.
“With one phone call I can find a second assistant, a lighting technician or whoever else from the crew I need,” says Mr Giwa-Amu, whose sci-fi thriller The Machine premiered at New York's Tribeca Film Festival earlier in 2013.
FIlm and television are not the only industries taking off in Wales, indeed, it seems the creative scene is rather vibrant at the moment. Businesses working in animation, audio, graphics and gaming are also making their presence felt in the city. Statistics published by the Welsh government revealed that creative industries in Wales grew by 16.5% between 2009 and 2011, and there are now 4,200 companies operating in the sector across the country which contribute more than $2.76bn annually to the Welsh economy.
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