Newport’s Film School chief’s vision of South Wales as UK’s Hollywood 

The head of the International Film School Wales, part of Newport University, has spoken of a tremendously exciting year for film and television industry in Wales, and urged young people to look closely at a future in the industry.
 
With an increasing amount of drama content made by BBC Cymru Wales, and signs of a vibrant independent sector west of the Severn, creative young people can be sure of an exciting future within film and television in Wales.
 
Christopher Morris, Head of the International Film School, Wales explained that the growing reputation of film and drama in Wales means that young people with an interest in film do not have to leave Wales to find a future in the industry.
 
“Historically, while Newport film school had a great reputation for educating the film makers, after their education many young Welsh people, including myself, had to head for London to really succeed in the film and TV industry. Increasingly, I believe that is no longer the case.
 
“We are seeing an industry that is growing at a tremendous rate. Newport Film School now provides the vital bridge between young people who want to work in the industry and local employers such as BBC Wales, who need the dynamic and creative people we help develop.”

Industry professionals from across the BBC and Independent sector have praised the recent work and students from the film school in Newport.

“Unlike graduates from many film and media courses, Newport graduates emerge ready to work in the television industry - as directors, camera operators, researchers, editors, said BAFTA award winning filmmaker and head of Indus Films, Steve Robinson, “The TV industry in Wales needs Newport Film School.”

Senior BBC producer Deborah Perkin agrees, "Newport turns out imaginative and technically competent young film-makers."

Newport has a long history as a leading provider of film education in the UK, and following plaudits from film-makers from across the industry, continues to inspire young people to look at an industry that is of growing importance to the Welsh economy.

Christopher Morris continues: “There are real jobs and a fabulous career in the film and TV industry in Wales ‘The Welsh Assembly Government rightly sees creative industries as one of the lynch pins of economic renewal. What is crucial to ensuring that this happens is helping to keep the talent that we have here. Education providers like us, are underpinning this process.
 
“We have to make the circumstances for the industry to grow as easy as possible, and for us, that means providing the best film education in the UK.
 
“There is every reason to expect that if we successfully develop and retain our talent, in twenty years time; South Wales will be the driving force for film and TV production in Britain.”