Aria Studios in North Wales has now officially opened.
The new 20,000 square foot fully soundproofed film and television studio is located on the doorstep of the region of Eryri (Snowdonia) and has been established by Rondo Media and S4C’s commercial arm S4C Digital Media Limited, with the support of the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.
The 16,000 square foot of studio space is positioned “amongst thousands of acres of unspoilt landscapes, featuring castles, slate quarries, copper mines, dramatic beaches and seascapes, providing endless options for filming both on and off location.”
Aria is also establishing the Aria Training Academy, working with partners including Bangor University, the University of South Wales, Screen Alliance Wales as well as other training providers. The partnerships will create the infrastructure and access to apprenticeships and training. Aria will also employ and train a local workforce through “accessible and sustainable job opportunities.”
Rondo Media’s Chief Executive, Gareth Williams says “This launch is significant for our TV and film industry here in Wales. We’re thankful for the support from S4C’s commercial arm, Cymru Greadigol, and Wales Screen for helping us bring this vision to life, which we know will offer brilliant new opportunities and investment to the region. North Wales has such a unique offering, from its breath-taking landscapes to its creative production talent, and we’re looking forward to further investment in the region and working with inspiring partners to enable the production of exceptional content for a worldwide audience.”
S4C Chief Executive Siân Doyle says: “Creating opportunities to nurture talent in the creative sector across the whole of Wales is a key priority for S4C and we are delighted to support Aria Studios.
“To have a great resource like this at the home of Rownd a Rownd – one of S4C’s biggest productions – is something really exciting for us. I see the Aria Studios initiative as an opportunity to nurture local talent and build on S4C’s presence in North Wales as well as attracting more high profile productions to Anglesey. I look forward to a very exciting future working with Aria Studios.”
Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said “Many producers already know what our country has to offer and this kind of top tier development will grab the attention of more high-profile productions and help to position the region as a hub for talent, training and access to the creative industry. Rondo and S4C have shown their support in Wales’ talent and potential. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support this development, which is a great opportunity to grow the Welsh industry and its footprint in the global entertainment business.”
Jon Creamer
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