Screen Academies project led by USW is awarded Welsh Government funding

The University of South Wales’ Film and TV School has been awarded a share of £1.5 million in Welsh Government funding for its Screen Academies Wales project, set to support the next generation of Welsh talent to flourish in the screen industry.

Led by USW in partnership with Bangor University and Screen Alliance Wales, the project will create three new Screen Academies inside Cardiff-based Greatpoint Studios, Dragon Studios in Bridgend and Aria Studios on Anglesey, to deliver the skills, education and training for people to pursue a career in film and TV.

The Creative Skills Fund will support 17 projects that will address the skills needs of three priority sectors – music, digital content and screen – in the short term, as well as considering the long-term needs which will ensure Wales continues to have a thriving creative sector.

Huw Swayne, Associate Dean for Partnerships and Business Development at USW, said: “Skills Academies Wales is an innovative pan-Wales project engaging with schools, colleges and universities to create pathways to enter the booming TV and film industry here in Wales, providing real-world experience through workshops, placement and outreach activities.

“Our aim is to build capacity and longevity in a sustainable workforce that draws upon the very best of Welsh talent and facilities, working and winning in a global market. The University of South Wales, Screen Alliance Wales and Bangor University are proud to be working with Creative Wales to deliver this exciting initiative.”

Allison Dowzell, Managing Director of Screen Alliance Wales, added: “We are delighted to be working with our long-term partners USW on this initiative alongside Bangor University and Creative Wales. We are excited to be expanding on the work we already do together by being part of the Skills Academies Wales project and look forward to growing and nurturing the talent in Wales even further.”

Professor Ruth McElroy, Head of the School of Arts, Culture and Language at Bangor University, said: “Screen Academies Wales has been set up to directly improve the opportunities on offer to young people in Wales to pursue a career in the film and TV industry. Developing the very best talent with appropriate professional skills and providing opportunities in both Welsh and English is core to our mission as a university, and content creation is now a global industry which offers huge opportunities for our students both in Wales and beyond.”

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said: “The creative industries have been one of the fastest-growing parts of the Welsh economy for nearly a decade, creating jobs and wealth, contributing to a strong national brand and promoting Wales to the world. To keep up with demand, we’ve highlighted the need to develop the right skills across the sector to support continued growth.

“The purpose of this fund is to continue to support strategic skills partnerships across Wales and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to award the funding to collaborative projects which will provide excellent opportunities for those working in the sector or seeking to work in the sector from all backgrounds.”