October Newsletter
Welcome to Screen Alliance Wales October Newsletter
After another busy month here at SAW, we are pleased to bring you another round up of all our news and updates.
Firstly, if you haven’t done so already, we would like to encourage you to create a profile on our website (here). This is an incredible place to showcase any credits, skills, and links to previous work. It also keeps you up to date with all vacancies that we advertise and automatically signs you up to our newsletter. If you already have an account on our directory, do make sure to keep all your details updated with you most up to date information.
Vacancies:
As always, we would like to start off by highlighting all the opportunities that are currently available over on our vacancies page. This is regularly updated, so make sure to keep checking the page on our website here. With more roles available before, now is such a great time to explore the varied roles that are on offer to join the booming Film and TV industry in Wales.
The following vacancies are available on our website:
Wales Millennium Centre are currently seeking:
-Human Resources Business Partner
-Casual Bartender
-Production Manager
Wildflame Productions are seeking:
-Producer/Director
-Assistant Producer
A Cardiff based Production Company are currently seeking a PA/In-House Coordinator
Ffilm Cymru Wales are currently seeking a Legal and Business Affairs Manager
Boom Cymru are currently seeking a Accounts Assistant/ Cynorthywyydd Cyfrifon
BBC Studios Cymru are currently seeking:
-Director- Bargain Hunt
-Researcher- Bargain Hunt
BumpyBox are currently seeking:
-Animators (All Levels)
-CG Artist
-Lighting Artist
-Compositors
Sponsors and Supporters:
The work we carry out is only made possible by the fantastic contributions from our wonderful Sponsors and Supporters. Here’s what they have been up to this month…
Bad Wolf:
Get ready to be sent back in time as The Winter King announces their UK premiere dates on ITVX. Mark your calendars for December 21st and 27th as ITVX are releasing 5 episodes on each day. We’ll be adding this to our Christmas watch list!
The reunion of the year is about to land this month, and we can’t wait! Doctor Who is back on BBC iPlayer and DisneyPlus 25th November with 3 special episodes featuring The Doctor and Donna Noble- as well as a few famous faces!
Brilliant news for Bad Wolf, as they’ve been nominated at the Televisual Bulldog Awards 2023! I Hate Suzie Too has been nominated for Drama Series, His Dark Materials for VFX and Bad Wolf themselves for Best Indie!
If you’d like to vote for your favourites, you can do so here: https://www.televisual-bulldogs.com/
Julie Gardner MBE, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Bad Wolf took to the stage at the BBC Academy ‘Production Unlocked’ this month, and what a talk it was. She spoke on her journey within the industry, bringing ‘Doctor Who’ back to Wales, and the incredible new series ‘The Winter King’.
4WOOD Film and TV:
9th October - 4Wood, the high-end TV (HETV) and film set construction company, has joined environmental organisation Ecologi as part of a drive to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
Ecologi are a B-corp certified organisation who provide a platform for transparent climate action. Through their membership 4Wood has begun to fund tree planting, timber being the material used most in their workshop for set construction. The programme has begun with 1,000 trees planted predominately in Kenya, Mozambique and Madagascar.
As one of the leading set specialists in the UK, 4Wood construct sets for some of TV and films most ambitious sets including those for: His Dark Materials, Dr Who, Sex Education, and Dream Horse. From their workshop in Cardiff, they use a variety of materials and techniques to build sets using carpentry, metal work, resin and foam moulding. Carpentry and the use of timber are the most prevalent skill and material used in their workshop.
Graham Webb, Managing Director, 4Wood said: “Like many business sectors, the screen industry is wrestling with how to make operations more sustainable. We are just one of hundreds of suppliers who contribute to a successful film or TV production. If each of us plays our part in improving the sustainability of our operations, the cumulative effect will be real change.”
Webb added: “For us, a tree planting campaign is a meaningful contribution because timber is the material that we use the most in our workshop to create sets. We wanted a simple approach to begin to contribute to replenishing the natural resource that we rely on. This marks the first stop on what we expect to be a continuous journey.”
Facilities by ADF:
Facilities by ADF & LOCATION ONE LTD held an Open Day 28th October at their Longcross Operational Base. It was wonderful opportunity to gather the great & the good from our industry, and showcase our developments & innovations in Sustainability, Accessibility & Inclusions. Also, just as importantantly Trailer Compliance (IVA approved USA trailers) and Drivers Hours 👮♂️🚛🚚🚛🎞️🎬🎥🌱♻️🌏 The Production Guild of Great Britain, Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden Park.
Facilities By ADF appoints new Chief Operating Officer: James Long
As Facilities by ADF continues to grow, with additional staff, more equipment, new locations, additional business divisions such as LOCATION ONE LTD, they also need to grow the management capability and bandwidth within the business.
During this year they established a Senior Management Team (SMT), reporting to the Executive, to manage and co-ordinate the various functions in the business.
They are now further strengthening the leadership with the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer, who will work alongside Neil Evans and other members of the board to develop strategic objectives and to support the business in achieving these.
After an extensive recruitment programme, they are pleased to announce that James Long has been appointed to the role and will take up the appointment on 2nd October 2023.
James has over 20 years operational and commercial leadership experience, delivering significant profit and growth across different organisations.
I am sure that you will all join us in welcoming James to the company.
RTS:
Entries for RTS Student Awards are closing on 4th November. The nominees will be announced ahead of the awards event in Cardiff next April, alongside awards for the Welsh Industry. Full details of how to submit your content are at-
Mad Dog Casting 2020:
Join Mad Dog Casting on November 18th for the Mark Milsome Charity Walk:
On November 18th, 2023, we extend a warm invitation to the Mark Milsome Charity Walk at Sgwd Gwladys (Lady Falls). This event serves as a heartfelt tribute to Mark Milsome and an opportunity to support the vital mission of the Mark Milsome Foundation – enhancing safety in the film and TV industry.
Every step you take during this walk directly contributes to this essential cause. Joining them are dedicated industry professionals who stand behind this mission, committed to ensuring the safety of our colleagues in the workplace.
They welcome you to bring along friends, family, and even your four-legged companions to make this day memorable. If you'd like to participate, please let them know by emailed Racha -[email protected] and they’ll ensure you’re added to the list."**
"Elevate Your Film and TV Career with "2nd AD Essentials" Course held by Production GuildAre you passionate about working behind the scenes in film and television productions? Mad Dog 2020 Casting proudly sponsors the "2nd AD Essentials" course, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the role of a 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD). This comprehensive one-day course is your ticket to understanding the core aspects of this vital position and is led by industry experts Steve Crabtree and Mike Williams, in partnership with the AD Guild.Register Now: Click here to learn more and secure your spot.
Join them for a day that can transform your career. Don't miss this chance to learn from the best and open doors to exciting opportunities in the film and TV industry."
Entertainment Partner:
Join WFTV and Entertainment Partners for an evening of in-person networking! Get to know other women working in production finance and production management over a round of speed meetings, followed by open networking over drinks and light snacks.
Email [email protected] to RSVP
BAFTA Cymru:
The 2023 BAFTA Cymru Awards took place on Sunday 15 October. Alex Jones returned to host at a special ceremony at the ICC Wales to honour excellence and celebrate talent across film and television in Wales. Actress Rakie Ayola was also honoured as the recipient of the Siân Phillips award, whilst industry legend Hywel Gwynfryn was awarded with the Outstanding Contribution award.
If you missed the ceremony, it is still available to watch on BAFTA’s YouTube channel
SGIL CYMRU
SCRIPT SUPERVISOR COURSES
Sgil Cymru successfully ran a free online script supervisor course in October. There is another course coming up in November and due to this being oversubscribed, Sgil Cymru will be running another one in the New Year. Keep an eye on Sgil Cymru’s social media for further dates!
MOVIE MAGIC COURSES
Following a successful series of Movie Magic courses over the last few months run on weekends, Sgil Cymru has courses coming up this month if you’d like to apply:
Scheduling – Saturday, 18th November
Budgeting – Sunday, 19th November
Further information on the Movie Magic courses and how to apply can be found here.
Film and TV Charity:
The Film and TV Charity have launched a new financial survey, and they urgently need YOUR input!
With people working behind the scenes facing one of the most sustained periods of financial insecurity, it’s never been more important that you have your say. By taking part you can help the Charity to build a longer-term picture of the financial circumstances of people working in our industry. The insights will also be used as the Charity continues to develop the support it offers the industry, from financial resources to its mental health support.
To ensure everyone’s circumstances are represented they especially want to hear from those who are based outside of London and those from under-represented groups.
It only takes 10 mins to complete, and the survey is open until November 14th, with all responses remaining completely confidential.
Click HERE to take part now!
Bad Wolf Breaking Barriers:
An incredible piece created by Sony Pictures, alongside Bad Wolf.
Jane Tranter, CEO and Co-Founder of Bad Wolf invited Allison, our Managing Director to discuss the importance of breaking barriers within the TV industry.Jane speaks on her vision when creating Bad Wolf and SAW, and her vision to create local work for local people here in Wales and the importance of diversifying the workforce.Our work here at SAW wouldn't be possible without the continued support of Bad Wolf and we look forward to the work we can achieve in the future.
To watch the piece please head here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy3ETO2Ipcl/
Superstar Rhys Bebb:
A massive congratulations to Rhys Bebb, our Education and Training Manager who received his nomination for ‘Outstanding Personal Contribution Award’ at Careers Wales ‘Valued Partner Awards’
The award ceremony will be hosted on 22nd November. Our fingers and toes are crossed for you Rhys!
Proud Sponsors or Cardiff Bay Warriors:
We had an amazing evening this month celebrating our new partnership with ‘Cardiff Bay Warriors’ a Somali football club, based in Butetown. A red-carpet evening, for a 5-star team. It was an honour to invite the boys and their friends/supporters into our classroom.
We also were lucky enough to head over to their new Kit Launch before their game at the end of the month. It was brilliant to see the team in action, and to be able to support from the stands.
That’s a Wrap on Autumn Screen4Schools:
We’ve had a blast this Autumn with the Screen4Schools events partnered with Channel 4 and Cardiff Commitment. We introduced the world of Film and TV to students across South Wales, each class were able to create a short film from start to finish, and we are beyond impressed with their work!
We can’t wait to do it all over again in the Spring term!
Let the Tours Commence:
We’ve had the pleasure of inviting students back into our classrooms this month for a tour and workshop at Great Point Studios.
Alongside Screen Academies Wales, we’ve had a brilliant month introducing young students to the amazing world of Film and TV!
Don’t forget to get in touch if you’d like us to attend your school, community group or for any further information on educational tours!
Ty Hafan
We also welcomed the lovely siblings group from Ty Hafan back to the studios this month for a gruesome Halloween make up workshop. It was a pleasure to have them back and very timely as Ty Hafan are about to launch their core appeal for this year. This is going to be the toughest fundraising appeal they have ever undertaken as they are hoping to raise an eye watering £400,000 in just 60 hours!
The appeal goes live on November the 26th at 10am for just 60 hours. All donations received during this time frame will be match funded, so a brilliant opportunity to double funds raised £ for £ without having to do too much so keep an eye out for the link via our social media channels soon.
Don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels to keep up to date on all the latest news and vacancies.
Twitter (X): @ScreenAllianceW
Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @ScreenAllianceWales