The Isle of Wight is to house a new film and television studio, situated on the banks of the River Medina.
Medina Studios Ltd is the company behind the exciting new venture.
Duncan Heath (Co-Chairman of Independent Talent Group), David Godfrey (Former Director of International Operations of the Pinewood Group) and Neil Blewett (Managing Director of Datasat Media) all feel the timing is perfect to attract high-end TV dramas and feature films to the Island.
Nestled amongst woodland, clifftops, beaches, historic villages, period houses, this new studio will benefit from copious amounts of filming locations on its doorstep.
Duncan, having been resident on the Isle of Wight for over 50 years, is extremely excited about the opportunities this new facility will bring to the Island.
He said:
“I’ve been in this business a long time and been lucky enough to be involved with some of the largest feature and television productions. But I have to say, this is one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been involved with”.
Medina Studios Ltd is to build a facility comprising four sounds stages totalling 70,000 sq ft, along with all production support space, including workshops and office facilities, creating a hugely attractive venue for both film and television projects.
David Godfrey, who is integral to the studio design and build, said:
"We are fully committed to this project and are confident that Medina Studios will attract a variety of productions who wish to base themselves on the Island.
"The studio lot will offer stages and support for traditional production needs, technical filming and weather cover for the many productions currently utilising the island’s wonderful and varied locations."
The Isle of Wight Council is selling Kingston Marine Park to its new owner.
Built on 16 acres of river frontage, Medina Studios will be home to the Isle of Wight’s first screen-based media hub.
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Regeneration and Business, said:
“The approach from Medina Studios is a game changer for the Island, in terms of high-quality creative jobs at the leading edge of this evolving and fast-growing sector. With many of the major studios looking to expand and creative talent looking for a home, we are glad to welcome Duncan, David and Neil and will work with them to deliver the vision.
"The Alliance administration has prioritised the further development of creative industries, building on the great talent base we already have, as part of the development of a holistic cultural strategy for the Island.”
Neil Blewett, a key part of the technology design, added:
"Our aim is to make the studios digitally future proofed by understanding the latest production technology requirements. We will harness the latest camera workflow technology and provide ultrafast broadband to ensure seamless connectivity to global media hubs, including London and Hollywood.
"Security is key to this and as the landscape for producers and production teams, all over the world, has changed we feel cybersecurity has now become a necessary service for the modern studio. That’s the technical side, for me personally, I can’t wait to see what this new venture will bring to this magnificent island and the opportunities it will create."
Bob Seely MP said:
“This is exciting news and I hope the project will now progress quickly.
“Jobs and opportunities in the cultural sectors are a core part of building a better economy for Islanders.
“I am delighted the Island is prioritised for Arts Council funding. As part of that, Film Wight has helped highlight the Island as a location for film and TV work.”
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