TELEVISION INDUSTRY SUPPORTS WELSH FILM SCHOOL

THE television industry in Wales have pledged their support for the International Film School Wales (IFSW) with two years of core funding.
HTV, BBC and S4C have given a brief to the IFSW based at the University of Wales College Newport (UWCN), to produce the next generation of talented film and television programme makers and to help develop a skilled workforce for the Welsh Cultural industries.
The IFSW Industry Liaison Committee will be meeting at UWCN on October 11 to launch the second stage of development. Deputy First Minister and Minister for Culture, Jenny Randerson AM and Minister for Education, Jane Davidson AM will be attending.
Chair of the Committee and Chief Executive of Carlton Channels, Clive Jones, said: “The people of Wales have wide ranging skills and hidden talents which a Film and Television School of this stature can nurture and help to launch onto the international market. It is a very exciting development.”
The IFSW will be launching a Short Course programme, the first comprehensive media training package in Wales.
UWCN’s Media Development Manager, Gethin While, said: “We are working closely with training consortia across Wales to ensure a comprehensive package of Film, Television, Animation and New Media short courses, that will be unique in Wales and will appeal to both professionals and the community.”
The Welsh Development Agency will be funding the employment of a Research and Development Officer to provide an overview of the broad spectrum of economic and cultural benefits for the Welsh population. The IFSW intends to become a Research and Conference Centre for new media and will act as a bridge between undergraduate students and the media industry. (CD)