WIREDGOV

Economy Minister Edwina Hart has announced a strategic funding partnership between the Welsh Government and Sky Vision to support the development of TV production in Wales and boost international sales.

The £400,000 factual and entertainment fund will be used to back new programmes or series by Welsh independent production companies and support other UK companies to bring more productions to Wales.

Sky Vision is the international production and distribution arm of Sky which works extensively with independent producers to drive international sales of UK programming.

The Welsh Government and Sky Vision will each invest £200,000 into the Fund. Projects funded will vary according to the nature and needs of the individual project, with support available for developing programme concepts, making pilot episodes and maximising distribution revenue.

Sky Vision is responsible for promoting and delivering the fund, identifying potential projects and ensuring effective monitoring.  The Welsh Government’s creative industries team will assist Sky Vision in engaging with the sector in Wales and raise awareness of the fund.

Mrs Hart said:

“The Creative Industries is one of our fastest-growing priority sectors. We want to establish Wales as an international centre of excellence for high-end TV production worldwide and this investment is part of our plan to create a long-term, sustainable TV industry in Wales.

With the support of Sky Vision’s excellent connections within the industry, this new fund represents a major opportunity for Welsh independent production companies to develop their programmes for new audiences and for Welsh supply chain companies, who would benefit from the spend related to productions coming to Wales.”