Dragon hosts drama shoot
FILMING on the biggest budget US TV production ever to be shot in Wales has begun at Dragon Studios in Pencoed. Will is a drama based on the early life of Williams Shakespear.
FILMING is underway at Dragon Studios in Pencoed on the biggest budget US TV production ever to be shot in Wales.
Will, a high end drama series based on the early life of William Shakespeare, is expected to generate £18m for the Welsh economy.
It is the latest US production to be brought to Wales and follows other high profile productions such as Da Vinci’s Demons , The Bastard Executioner and The Collection.
Backed by finance from the Welsh Government, the first series of nine episodes has been commissioned following the success of an initial pilot programme that was filmed in London. Due to be screened by TNT, it tells the wild story of young William Shakespeare, played by newcomer Laurie Davidson.
Welcoming the news Economy Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates described it as a great ‘win’ and a huge boost for the creative industries sector in Wales.
“This really does tick all the boxes. It has the highest budget of any production filmed in Wales to date and the largest local spend ever attracted to Wales which is great news for the film and TV sector.
“It supports our sector strategy to attract high end drama with a specific focus on the lucrative US market and with the probability of repeat series. I am delighted that Welsh Government support has secured this investment.
“It gives us a platform, not just in the US, but globally to promote Wales as a great location for filming which is backed by real expertise and talent.”
Ninth Floor UK Productions Limited – the company behind the series – will be based at Dragon Studio Pencoed for nine months with location shooting in and around South Wales as well as London.
It also stars Olivia DeJonge ( The Visit , Hiding), Colm Meaney (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Hell on Wheels), Mattias Inwood (The Shanara Chronicles), Jamie Campbell Bower (Sweeney Todd, The Twilight Saga) and Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting, Snowpiercer ).
Executive Producer Alison Owen said: “Filming here has provided many advantages for the production – using the four stages and its backlot, we have been able to create a whole world in one place.”
The production is working closely with Wales Screen to ensure local talent is used as much as possible. If Will proves to be a global commercial success it is hoped future series will be based in Wales.