It's a game changer for the Isle of Wight.
That was the view of Isle of Wight Cllr Julie Jones-Evans as the new Medina Studios venture was announced today.
The Kingston site at East Cowes will become the Isle of Wight's first media hub when Medina Studios is built on land the Isle of Wight Council has agreed to sell.
Scroll down to see what the site looks like today...
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.
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Cllr 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."
The men behind the plan are 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).
They say they all feel the timing is perfect to attract high-end TV dramas and feature films to an area of the UK already blessed with an abundance of locations.
A statement from the company said: "Nestled amongst woodland, clifftops, beaches, historic villages, period houses, this new studio will benefit from copious amounts of filming locations on its doorstep."
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Duncan Heath, 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.
“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.”
Cllr Jones-Evans continued: "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 this design, said: "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 cyber security 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."
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