Wales launches studio, theme park
Valleywood backed by Attenborough's Dragon Intl
Dubbed Valleywood, the new TV and motion picture production center in Llanilid, South Wales, has been on the drawing board for more than 2½ years. Richard Attenborough's Dragon Intl. is backing the project, which is expected to open in 2006.
Wales' Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies swung through Northern California last week to tout the area's prospects as an up-and-coming center for tech talent. Davies reported Lucasfilm was among the companies interested in possible Welsh ventures.
"We've got a lot of expertise in the games and animation industry," says Davies. "Communications in the area are very good, and the capital is only two hours from London." Davies also pointed out that Swansea Institute has become a top animation school, providing additional talent.
The first phase of the 315-acre project calls for five silent and seven soundstages, with accompanying workshops, a music recording studio, creative departments, offices and services areas. TV studios are slated for completion this fall, with film studios slated to be operational next summer.
Despite recent investment setbacks, spending on film production in the U.K. reached a record high of more than $1.8 billion last year.
"The U.K.'s existing studios were so fully booked during 2003 that some producers were forced to film abroad," says Dragon Intl. managing director Stuart Villard. "We already have a number of potential tenants for our silent stages."
With financial help from the Welsh Assembly Government, Dragon Studios is expected to create 1,700 permanent positions when the studios and adjacent theme park are opened. The project's funding will be supported by an adjacent business park, which includes plans for a hotel, conference center and private hospital. Davies says the theme park will open during the second or third phase of the project.
"In Wales we have the space, the funds and the technology -- but most importantly the will -- to create a wonderful work and leisure environment for future generations," says Attenborough, celebrated actor-director and chairman of Dragon Intl.
