Support of the film industry in Wales

Following the launch of the Creative Industry Strategy greater investment than ever is being made in the sector.

A new Creative Industry Service is being set up and will be operational in the new year. This will mean the availability of advice to the sector from people with experience in the industry.

In addition an Intellectual Property fund of £7m has been set up along with a more focussed training package for the sector.

The strategy is industry led and has been developed after considerable consultation within the industry. This has included setting up an Advisory group of professionals currently working in the sector.

In implementing the strategy changes are being made to the existing structures to ensure that future services are more focussed and avoid overlap. As part of these changes Sgrin will cease operation at the end of March 2006. A new film organisation will be set up to operate from April 2006.The new organisation will concentrate on film and as the sole agency on film will ensure that the economic, cultural ,educational and exhibition aspects of film are effectively represented in Wales ,the UK and the world. The organisation will concentrate on selection and development of scripts ,short film schemes, part funding and production of micro and full budget feature films. Consultation in the industry has clearly suggested that this is the direction to go. The new organisation is being set up jointly between the WDA and the Arts Council.

We are currently working with the Sgrin board on the run down and staff issues.