Screen Organisations in Wales

Two key sites we recommend for seeking film rights are Film Distributors’ Association (FDA) which lists past, present and future film releases and the BBFC, which shows the theatrical rightsholder as well as film certificates. You can also find rights for Welsh films in our Made in Wales catalogue. The following also hold curated film catalogues that you can book from, or are rightsholders for certain productions:

BBC Cymru Wales is the nation’s broadcaster, providing a wide range of English and Welsh language content for audiences across Wales, as well as flagship programmes for network.

Why go to them? If you’re interested in commissioning content. They also hold the rights to a number of Welsh films (see our catalogue).

The BFI exists to promote greater understanding and appreciation of, and access to, film and moving image culture in the UK.

Why go to them? BFI offer a number of national funds from production and development to organisational awards and support for distribution. Festivals of national significance can also apply. They also distribute a number of independent films and have an extensive catalogue including the BFI Archive.

British Council Wales brings the best of international education and arts to Wales and helps Welsh students, teachers, artists and others connect professionally with people around the world.

Why go to them? If you’re looking for programmes, exchanges and partnerships that could help you meet new people, develop language skills, work or teach in countries across the world. They also run a really useful festivals and films database.

Cinema For All are the national support and development organisation for community-led cinema: community cinemas, film clubs and societies.

Why go to them? If you’re a new community venue or society looking for set up advice,  would like to join their film booking scheme or hire kit to screen films.

Arts Alive / Flicks in the Sticks work with over 130 different venues (any suitable local space that can show film, from churches to village halls) across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Mid-Wales.

Why go to them? To choose from their catalogue of films, to seek advice on programming and booking and to borrow screening kit if in the right area.

The ICO are the national organisation for the development and support of independent film exhibition in the UK.

Why go to them? If you need help with programming, want to book their films or want to take part in one of the many courses and events they run annually. Their website is also a handy resource for licensing and how to set up a cinema.

Moviola provide a programming advice and film booking service for some 250 venues right across the UK.

Why go to them? To choose from their catalogue of films, to seek advice on programming and booking and to borrow kit if in the right area.

Aria Film Studios offer first-rate studio facilities perfectly complementing the stunning surroundings of Snowdonia, and allowing film companies to be based entirely in the area.

Why go to them? To access two fully soundproofed, acoustic Film and Television stages set amidst the remote mountains, quarries, and vast beaches of North Wales.

Dragon Studios Wales is situated near Bridgend, South Wales. Comprised of five purpose-built studios and 2 woodlands the 100-acre site offers one of the best facilities available to production companies from around the globe.

Why go to them? If you are a high-end production company, looking to film within reach of some of Wales’ most iconic landscapes such as the the Gower peninsula, Pembrokeshire’s National park and the Brecon Beacons.

Great Point Studios offers cutting edge studio facilities including 200,000 square feet of stages and support spaces in Cardiff.

Why go to them? To access four large stages totalling 74,000 square feet in addition to copious production office and ancillary space.

Wolf Studios Wales is a new studio facility in South Wales within close proximity to Cardiff centre and Cardiff Bay. Facilities include 125,000 square feet of stage space with 5 stages ranging from 14,200 to 50,000 square feet and stage heights from 31 to 57.5 feet. There is flexible office space, auxiliary rooms, costume and props storage.

Why go to them? If you need facilities, locations and services.

Arts Council of Wales is the country’s funding and development organisation for the arts.

Why go to them? ACW offer a range of funding options for individuals and organisations, including Wales Arts International. They also host many useful toolkits and jobs listings.

The BFI exists to promote greater understanding and appreciation of, and access to, film and moving image culture in the UK.

Why go to them?  BFI offer a number of national funds from production and development to organisational awards and support for distribution. Festivals of national significance can also apply. They also distribute a number of independent films and have an extensive catalogue including the BFI Archive.

British Council Wales brings the best of international education and arts to Wales and helps Welsh students, teachers, artists and others connect professionally with people around the world. They offer funding opportunities for various international collaborations between artists and arts organisations.

Why go to them? For funding, programmes, exchanges and partnerships that could help you meet new people, develop language skills, work or teach in countries across the world. They also run a useful festivals and films database.

Creative Wales is a Welsh Government internal agency that supports the development of the fast-growing creative industry in Wales. They focus on developing and promoting growth across the Screen, Digital, Music and Publishing sectors, positioning Wales as one of the best places in the world for creative businesses to thrive.

Why go to them? They offer a range of support schemes including business support, funding, Wales Screen, the commercial music industry and digital sector.

Ffilm Cymru Wales is the development agency for Welsh film. They offer funding and training to emerging and established Welsh filmmakers, cinematic experiences to audiences and develop new skills and career paths through a range of training programmes.

Why go to them? If you’re a filmmaker and seeking funding for a Welsh film project or training programmes, or if you’re a festival or venue looking for audience development funding.

S4C is a Welsh language digital platform and television channel, working primarily with independent production companies. They run Sinema Cymru – a Welsh Language feature film production fund in collaboration with Creative Wales, and Ffilm Cymru.

Why go to them? If you are seeking production funding for a Welsh language film or if you are a production company looking to submit an idea for commissioning. They also have a host of content in their archive, some of which is available for theatrical screenings (see our catalogue).

Welsh Broadcasting Trust is a registered charity established to promote and support educational and practical activities in relation to television, film, radio and digital media.

Why go to them? Financial support is available to individuals wishing to improve their skills in television, film, radio and new media.

View a wider list of trusts, foundations and grant finding sites on our fundraising page.  

Based at the National Library of Wales, the Screen and Sound Archive is home to a comprehensive collection of films, television programmes, videos, sound recordings and music relating to Wales and the Welsh.

Why go to them? If you would like to access and/or screen content from the audio visual collections.

Cadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.

Why go to them? If you have a shared interest and want to form a partnership. Cadw run a number of projects and events year-round.

Wales Screen encourages film and television productions to use locations, crew and facilities throughout Wales. Part of Creative Wales (within Welsh Government) Wales Screen assists productions on a practical basis, ensuring that their spend within the Welsh economy is maximised.

Why go to them? If you’re looking for locations, studio or build space, freelance crew and production facilities or key contacts within local authorities for permission to film throughout Wales.

Creative Cardiff is a network which connects people working in any creative organisation, business or job in the Cardiff region.

Why go to them? To discover new ideas, build your audience, promote your work, find new opportunities and work with new people.

Arts Council of Wales is the country’s funding and development organisation for the arts.

Why go to them? ACW offer a range of funding options for individuals and organisations. They also host many useful toolkits and jobs listings.

British Council Wales brings the best of international education and arts to Wales and helps Welsh students, teachers, artists and others connect professionally with people around the world.

Why go to them? If you’re looking for programmes, exchanges and partnerships that could help you meet new people, develop language skills, work or teach in countries across the world. They also run a really useful festivals and films database.

Siop Un Stop – One Stop Shop is the ‘BFI Skills Cluster’ – a free resource for the screen industries in Wales. A collaborative partnership of Welsh industry including training providers, further and higher educators, working together to provide a clear, coherent and transparent way to help you navigate the screen industries in Wales. It’s led by Sgil Cymru, with the support of the BFI, awarding Lottery Funding.

Why go to them? If you are looking for a way into the industry, want free advice from a mentor, are working already and want to upskill or move to another job or department, or if you’re a company wanting to advertise training opportunities.

BFI Film Academy and BFI Film Academy Plus offers courses, events and wider learning opportunities for young creatives aged16 to 25 all across the UK. They provide a link between BFI Network and BFI FAN.

Why go to them? If you’re aged 16-25 and looking for your next steps into the screen industry or want to learn more about venues and develop your skills as a curator, filmmaker or new entrant.

BFI Network Wales discover, develop and fund new and emerging writers, directors and producers across the UK. Delivered by Ffilm Cymru Wales with investment from the National Lottery.

Why go to them? If you’re Welsh born or based and looking for support at the beginning of your film-making career.

Into Film is a film education charity that puts film at the heart of the educational and personal development of children and young people aged 5-19 across the UK.

Why go to them? If you want to get in contact with your local schools film club, or if you don’t have one and are interested to see if they can build links nearby. If you would like to host something for teachers or schools at your venue, or participate in the Into Film Festival by offering a free school screening.

It’s My Shout is a training scheme, based in Wales, providing training for all ages interested in gaining experience in film. Each year they produce short films for BBC Wales, and S4C

Why go to them? If you’re interested in getting hands on experience in film-making.

Bulldozer Films was set up in 2012 in Wales, with the aim to aid grassroots filmmakers break into the industry.

Why go to them? They offer training for first-time filmmakers and networking events for those already within the industry.

Wicked Wales Studios is a creative space for young people to explore their creative talents in a warm, safe environment. Providing young individuals with the tools and guidance to express themselves through various art forms.

Why go to them? Offer young people in Rhyl and surrounding areas a number of creative courses, a chance to be part of a film crew for short films, and exhibition opportunities for local and national talent.

Film Festivals – Wales is home to 40 Festivals, many of these are dedicated to film, or have regular film offers. They showcase new talent, often helping them to secure sales agents and distribution deals. They’re also known for special events, unique and bold film choices that audiences might not see elsewhere and a place for industry and the public to come together.

Why go to them? If you’re an emerging filmmaker looking for a place to launch your next project, an avid cinema goer seeking out the best new films or interested in building your CV through volunteering.

Bigger Picture Research is a UK-based consultancy providing services to the creative industries, arts and culture sectors

Why go to them? If you are undertaking audience research or evaluation or if you need report writing, proofreading or editorial support.

Media Cymru are a consortium with a shared aim to turn Cardiff Capital Region into a global hub for media innovation with a focus on green and fair economic growth.

Why go to them? Their ‘Innovation Pipeline’ offers targeted funding rounds and training opportunities designed to develop research, development and innovation (R&D)  across the media sector in the Cardiff Capital Region and across Wales.

With more than 31,000 students from 122 countries, the University of South Wales  is the 6th largest university in the UK and the largest in Wales.

Why go to them? USW offer BA courses in film, cinema, set design, performance and more.

Into Film is a film education charity that puts film at the heart of the educational and personal development of children and young people aged 5-19 across the UK.

Why go to them? If you want to get in contact with your local school’s film club, or if you don’t have one and are interested in setting one up. If you would like to host something for teachers or schools at your venue, or participate in the Into Film Festival by offering a free school screening.

NFTS Cymru Wales is an independent postgraduate institution that provides practical, specialist behind-the-camera training to over 700 students a year. It delivers a wide range of world-class short courses and certificate courses covering everything from Data Wrangling to Script Writing.

Why go to them? If you are a postgraduate and looking to upskill or progress your career, as well as those in need of training to secure their first role in the industry.

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama attracts the best creative talent from across the globe offering training to more than 800 actors, musicians, designers, technicians and arts managers from more than 40 countries. 
 
Why go to them? RWCMD offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in acting, stage management music and more.

You can also find undergraduate film courses at
Aberystwyth, Trinity St David, Bangor, Swansea and Wrexham  
 

BFI Network Wales discover, develop and fund new and emerging writers, directors and producers across the UK. Delivered by Ffilm Cymru Wales with investment from the National Lottery.

Why go to them? If you’re Welsh born or based and looking for support at the beginning of your film-making career.

BAFTA Cymru support talent and celebrate the very best of the film, games and television industries in Wales through the annual BAFTA Cymru awards and regular events across Wales.

Why go to them? Join their network of practitioners by becoming a member, connect to Welsh talent through exciting industry events and build your career.

Culture Connect Wales supports diverse talent in finding opportunities in the film and TV sector in Wales.

Why go to them? Connect with professionals from all backgrounds and experience levels in the Welsh screen industry, access job opportunities, workshops, training and mentorship opportunities.

Cinema For All are the national support and development organisation for community-led cinema: community cinemas, film clubs and societies.

Why go to them? If you’re a new community venue or society looking for set up advice,  would like to join their film booking scheme or hire kit to screen films.

Arts Alive / Flicks in the Sticks work with over 130 different venues (any suitable local space that can show film, from churches to village halls) across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Mid-Wales.

Why go to them? To choose from their catalogue of films, to seek advice on programming, booking films and to borrow screening kit if in the right area.

Moviola provide a programming advice and film booking service for circa 250 venues right across the UK.

Why go to them? To choose from their catalogue of films, to seek advice on programming, booking films and to borrow screening kit if in the right area.

BECTU is the UK’s media and entertainment trade union, representing more than 40,000 staff, contract and freelance workers in creative industries.

Why go to them? BECTU’s wide-ranging work on behalf of members includes support with conditions and contracts, training courses such as Cult Cymru, networking and advice.

Film and TV Charity are a UK wide organisation that exist to offer support services to people working in film, TV or cinema.

Why go to them? If you need a friendly ear, they have a 24/7 Support Line, as well as access to financial advice and help with everything from mental wellbeing, discrimination and harassment, plus a whole host of practical tools and resources.

The ICO are the national organisation for the development and support of independent film exhibition in the UK.

Why go to them? If you need help with programming, want to book their films or want to take part in one of the many courses and events they run annually. Their website is also a handy resource for licensing and how to set up a cinema.

TAC is the voice of the independent TV production sector in Wales.

Why go to them? TAC offers range of services including standard contracts and other business affairs support, policy representation and a training and skills programme.

Based at Bad Wolf Studios, Screen Alliance Wales provide useful information for people working in the film and TV industry in Wales, promoting talent, educating young people and working with production companies to sources services.

Why go to them? If you’re a young person looking to find work in the creative industries or a production company looking to recruit crew, locations and services.

Screen Skills is a UK wide organisation that exists to help people with their careers in UK film, TV, VFX, animation and games.

Why go to them? If you’re looking for training placements on UK productions, you might be interested in their trainee finder scheme. They also offer a host of courses and resources to help you get into the industry.

Sgil Cymru offer three different types of creative and digital media apprenticeships as well as bespoke courses for industry professionals looking to upskill or step up to a new role.

Why go to them? If you work in the UK film and TV industry, or aspire to and want to up-skill.

Siop Un Stop – One Stop Shop is the ‘BFI Skills Cluster’ – a free resource for the screen industries in Wales. A collaborative partnership of Welsh industry including training providers, further and higher educators, working together to provide a clear, coherent and transparent way to help you navigate the screen industries in Wales. It’s led by Sgil Cymru, with the support of the BFI, awarding Lottery Funding.

Why go to them? If you are looking for a way into the industry, want free advice from a mentor, are working already and want to upskill or move to another job or department, or if you’re a company wanting to advertise training opportunities.

Made in Wales – Our distinct project at FHW that celebrates films with Welsh connections.  

Why go to them? If you have an eligible film, you can submit it to us via the short or feature form and we will promote the film to our network of cinemas and festivals in Wales. You can also listen to our podcast, read articles, watch Q&As about Welsh films and follow our social channels for news.

 Cinemas – There are 80 established cinemas in Wales from mixed arts centres offering multi-disciplinary programmes, to full-time independent or commercial cinemas that specialise in film or have occasional programmes.

Why go to them? If you have a film that you would like to screen, if you are looking for ways to enter industry and gain volunteer experience, or if you want to watch the best films on your doorstep! They often offer many additional activities such as workshops, classes, cafes, bars and wider arts programmes.

 Community Screens – Wales is bursting with over 120 community screens and pop-up cinemas. They’re often volunteer led and based in rural or underserved locations.

Why go to them? Discover new indie films, engage in your local community and meet like-minded people, volunteer and learn the skill of choosing films, setting up events, or building a regular film club. If you have a film to screen, community screens can also offer an excellent way to reach audiences.

 Film Festivals – Wales is home to 40 Festivals, many of these are dedicated to film, or have regular film offers. They showcase new talent, often helping them to secure sales agents and distribution deals. They’re also known for special events, unique and bold film choices that audiences might not see elsewhere and a place for industry and the public to come together.

Why go to them? If you’re an emerging filmmaker looking for a place to launch your next project, an avid cinema goer seeking out the best new films or interested in building your CV through volunteering.