Netflix and Creative Wales revealed that Netflix productions in Wales have contributed over £200 million for the UK economy since 2020. This includes the upcoming film "Havoc," the biggest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales. Wales has become one of Netflix’s key production hubs, and has been the filming location for iconic shows such as "Sex Education," "The Crown" and "The Witcher." In a new report, Netflix and Creative Wales have revealed the significant economic boost provided by productions in Wales.
Anna Mallett, Vice President of Production, UK, Netflix, said: “From 'Sex Education' to 'The Crown,' and now to 'Havoc,' some of our most beloved titles were filmed or produced in Wales. Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful natural landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment, so Netflix is delighted that our Welsh productions can continue to create such enduring cultural and economic opportunities”.
Jack Sargeant, Welsh Culture Minister, also commented: “We are immensely proud of our Welsh creative industries, which employ over 35,000 talented individuals, and the world-class infrastructure we have in place for film and TV productions. Welcoming high-profile Netflix productions to Wales, as this report demonstrates, has delivered significant economic and reputational benefits. Our support, through Creative Wales, of productions like Sex Education and Havoc has secured invaluable further training opportunities for the sector”.
Joedi Langley, Interim Head of Creative Wales, said: “Creative Wales is proud to be working closely with Netflix to help bring major productions to Wales. These collaborations create jobs, training opportunities and major spend within our economy and are a global platform to showcase everything we offer as a nation. We look forward to working in partnership with Netflix for many years to come to help Wales realise its full potential as a filming destination for major local and international productions”.
Contributing over £200m to the UK economy since 2020, the report shows how Netflix productions in Wales have also supported over 500 businesses from all over Wales in that time.
Netflix has also created significant opportunities for young Welsh talent to gain hands-on experience in the industry. The production of "Sex Education," supported by the Welsh Government through Creative Wales, created over 60 trainee and apprenticeship roles, many of which have led to full-time positions.
Johnny Gurnett, a former Netflix trainee, shared his experience: “Getting your foot in the door can be really difficult, so as my very first job in the industry, it was such an incredible opportunity for me. Since then I have been lucky enough to work on Disney's Willow, BBC's Lost Boys and Fairies and HBO's Rain Dogs. I wouldn't be where I am today if it was not for the experience and relationships I gained working with Netflix on Sex Education”.
In addition to this, Netflix and the National Youth Theatre’s ‘IGNITE Your Creativity’ programme has helped over 350 young people in workshops held across Newport, Cardiff, Port Talbot, Torfaen and Bridgend, designed to build their confidence and networks ahead of a career in creative industries.
"Havoc" will also feature Welsh-language subtitles, so those members who prefer Cymraeg can also enjoy the action thriller. Ryan Reynolds hits "The Adam Project" and "Red Notice" both featured Welsh language subtitles, while in 2023, Netflix licensed "Dal Y Mellt," the first Welsh language series on the service.
Gareth Evans, director of 'Havoc': “It was such an exciting prospect to make a film such as HAVOC in Wales. Seeing the impact that productions of its scope can have on local businesses while showcasing the creative talent here has been incredible. I hope that what we have achieved with this film will go some way towards seeing many more filmmakers continue to choose Wales as the place to tell their story”.