A partnership between Screen Alliance Wales (SAW) and the University of South Wales (USW) is giving the next generation of film makers first-hand experience of working on high-end television productions in South Wales.

A group of 11 USW students and graduates are working as SAW trainees on Bad Wolf productions in Cardiff. This includes the Lena Dunham directed HBO drama ‘Industry’, the second series of Sky One’s popular drama `A Discovery of Witches’, and the second series of ‘His Dark Materials’ – the first series will be airing on the BBC and HBO this autumn.

They have a range of roles, from production assistants and sound technicians, to working in the prop store.

Andrew Creak, age 22, from Caerphilly graduated in BA Film from USW this summer. He is currently working as a Production Assistant Trainee on His Dark Materials, after impressing on a two-week work experience placement during his course.

He said: “This traineeship has been a great way for me to develop my production skills and learn so much about the industry. I’ve always been interested in working behind the scenes on big productions.

“My experience of working on small student productions while studying has taught me a lot, and it’s been great to expand during this traineeship.”

Once he completes the traineeship, he will be going on to study MA Film (Directing) at USW.

During the first year of the partnership between SAW and USW, 49 students have been on work shadowing placements and 30 students have been employed in paid positions.

A further 400 USW students have toured the Bad Wolf studios to see behind the scenes of productions, and Screen Alliance Wales have helped to deliver several masterclasses at the University.

Tom Ware, Director in Production and Performance in the Faculty of Creative Industries, at the University of South Wales, said:

“One of our main roles is to give those who study with us, the chance to immerse themselves in their chosen career and to learn the practical skills needed to succeed. The partnership with Screen Alliance Wales is helping our students and graduates to gain that experience, working on high quality productions here in South Wales, and making invaluable industry connections. The partnership also enables us to maintain good working relationships with industry and evolve our teaching so that we respond to their needs.”

Allison Dowzell, Managing Director of Screen Alliance Wales, said:

“The partnership with University of South Wales at their Faculty of Creative Industries has been instrumental to us in order to access graduates of the highest quality to work across the various departments. We’ve already taken on several graduates in animation, design and coding to work on our latest productions and with the university’s support have launched a Screen Alliance Wales portal, which promotes the wide range of skills, services and facilities available here in Wales, including a crew and facility directory.”