Aria Studios opens in North Wales
January 26, 2023
Aria Studios, a brand new 20,000 square foot facility, fully soundproofed film and television studio, has opened in North Wales.
Located on the doorstep of the region of Eryri (Snowdonia), the facility 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 studio space is positioned amongst thousands of acres of unspoilt landscapes, featuring castles, slate quarries, copper mines, beaches and seascapes, providing plenty of options for filming both on and off location.
Aria Studios is also committed to growing North Wales as an international production hub through the creation of a range of training and development schemes for local talent in the region. It is establishing the Aria Training Academy, working with key 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 to develop the skills of those looking to break into the industry, as well as house existing talent in the region. In addition to growing Wales’s production potential, Aria will employ and train a local workforce through accessible and sustainable job opportunities.
From an environmental standpoint, the studio will deliver sustainable productions and minimise its carbon footprint. By forging close relationships with local suppliers, it offers sustainable opportunities for other ancillary sectors, including catering, accommodation providers and waste management. Local film and TV crews will be available in order to minimise travel expenses and carbon emissions.
Rondo Media’s Chief Executive, Gareth Williams, said: “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, added: “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, commented: “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.”