Aria Studios opens in North Wales

Rondo Media and S4C Digital Media Limited have opened a new facility, Aria Studios, in North Wales.

The 20,000 sq ft facility (16,000 sq ft of studio space) is located in the region of Eryri (Snowdonia), and was created with the support of the Welsh government through Creative Access.

It aims to provide services for shooting on location in the visually stunning region, as well as on set, to minimise travel and logistic complications. The area around Aria Studios features castles, slate quarries, copper mines, dramatic beaches and seascapes, which Aria Studios encourages producers to use sustainably and responsibly for shoots.

In addition the studio 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, to 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.

It will also employ and train a local workforce through accessible and sustainable job opportunities, with the added aim of working sustainably through forging close relationships with local suppliers - and minimising its own carbon footprint.

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 said: “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 on visiting the studio: “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.”