New production unit focuses on Welsh roots

AntenaDocs, a newly formed production unit, has completed its first commissioned series, a profile of Winifred Wagner and her connections with Wales, opera and her devotion to Hitler.
This series, ‘Adar Drycin’ (Storm Gatherers) was commissioned by the BBC for transmission on S4C.
AntenaDocs is a newly formed unit of Antena of Caernarfon and Cardiff. Antena had gained a reputation as one of Wales’ foremost producers of light entertainment, children, drama and consumer affairs programmes. Its first significant venture into documentary was a prestige millennium commission secured from the BBC - a six part history of the 20th century Canrif o Brifwyl (Century in Festival) - was followed by the first series of Adar Drycin and a co-production with Alliance Atlantis (Canada) about the Welsh explorer and map-maker David Thompson, ‘The Great Divide’. Continued growth in this area led to the decision to form a special unit producing factual programmes. Its policy has been not to rely on the Welsh market but to aim for the UK and international market. AntenaDocs representatives have since become familiar faces in marketing and factual television conferences across the world. Mike Griffiths, Managing Director of Antena said that venturing into co-production and attracting finance from other markets will lead to increased standards. Thus broadcasting in Wales would benefit with programmes of the highest international production standards.
Currently in pre-production are a 3 x 1 hour history of black people in Wales, as well as a profile of the Oscar nominated writer, poet, and critic Alan Llwyd.
AntenaDocs has also accepted invitations from Australian production companies to develop documentaries about subjects and people of Australian-Welsh interest.
The company is also in negotiation with various Welsh, UK, Canadian and Italian production companies and broadcasters on a variety of other documentary and drama series.
(GB)