Major productions support 500 Welsh businesses and launch careers for local creatives

NETFLIX has revealed that its productions in Wales have generated more than £200 million for the UK economy since 2020, cementing Wales as a vital hub for the global streaming giant.

The announcement, made in partnership with Creative Wales, highlights the scale of Netflix’s investment in the region and celebrates the impact of its latest project — Havoc — the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales.

Directed by Welsh filmmaker Gareth Evans and starring Tom Hardy, Havoc was filmed across a range of Welsh locations. The action-thriller follows a bruised detective as he navigates a criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s estranged son following a botched drug deal.

Wales has steadily become a filming powerhouse for Netflix, with previous productions including Sex Education, The Crown and The Witcher. A newly published report showcases the scale of investment and its ripple effect across sectors. For every £1 spent by Netflix in Wales:

• 58p is spent in TV and film production
• 7p in rental and leasing
• 5p in the creative arts
• 3p in food and hospitality
• 27p across other sectors of the economy

In addition, each £1 spent has created an extra 80p in supply chain spending, boosting industries indirectly connected to filming.

Supporting local talent

Netflix has not only brought blockbuster productions to Wales, but also helped launch careers in the creative industries. Over 60 trainee and apprenticeship roles were created during the filming of Sex Education, many of which led to full-time work.

In another initiative, Netflix partnered with the National Youth Theatre to deliver its IGNITE Your Creativity programme, reaching over 350 young people in Newport, Cardiff, Port Talbot, Torfaen and Bridgend with workshops aimed at building skills and confidence.

Championing the Welsh language

As part of its ongoing commitment to Welsh culture, Havoc will be available with Welsh-language subtitles. Previous Netflix hits including The Adam Project and Red Notice also featured Welsh subtitles, and in 2023 the platform licensed Dal y Mellt, its first Welsh-language drama.

Praise from industry and government

Anna Mallett, Vice President of Production for Netflix UK, said: “From Sex Education to The Crown, and now Havoc, some of our most beloved titles were filmed or produced in Wales. Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment. We’re proud our productions here continue to offer enduring cultural and economic benefits.”

Welsh Culture Minister Jack Sargeant added: “We are immensely proud of our creative industries, which employ over 35,000 people and benefit from world-class infrastructure. As this report shows, welcoming high-profile Netflix productions has delivered significant economic and reputational gains for Wales.”

Joedi Langley, Interim Head of Creative Wales, said: “Collaborating with Netflix brings jobs, training, and major economic benefits to our communities. We look forward to continuing this relationship and building Wales’s profile as a go-to destination for major productions.”

Director Gareth Evans said: “Filming Havoc in Wales was a thrilling experience. The impact of a production of this scale on local businesses and creatives has been incredible. I hope this paves the way for even more filmmakers to choose Wales to tell their stories.”

Local voices: Training and trade

Johnny Gurnett, a former Netflix trainee, credited the company with launching his career: “Getting your foot in the door can be really tough, and this was my first job in the industry. Since then, I’ve worked on Disney’s Willow, BBC’s Lost Boys and Fairies, and HBO’s Rain Dogs. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the experience and connections I made on Sex Education.”

Adam Charles, Head Chef at The Healthy Hangout, shared his business’s role in the production: “We provided meals for some of the stars, which was brilliant for business. But beyond that, there’s a sense of pride in knowing our food was part of something this big.”

A PLANNED appearance by former Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards at this year’s Llandeilo Lit Fest has been cancelled, despite growing praise for his recently published memoir Into the Abyss.

Mr Edwards, who represented the constituency in Westminster for 14 years, had been due to speak about his book on 25 April. The event had originally been billed as “a must for Welsh political enthusiasts” — and many local readers had welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from a man whose political and personal life has played out under intense public scrutiny.

But organisers announced on Tuesday that they had taken the decision to cancel the session, saying: “Upon further review, we believe that the nature and content of the recently published book are not aligned with the values and principles of our festival.” In a follow-up statement, they added: “The potential for harm and distress to some individuals mentioned in the book is too significant to overlook.”

Into the Abyss recounts the most difficult and controversial chapter of Edwards’ life — including a domestic incident in May 2020 that resulted in him accepting a police caution and stepping away from his role in Plaid Cymru. But far from attempting to brush aside the events, the book tackles them head-on with unflinching honesty.

In our earlier review, we described Into the Abyss as “a stark, emotionally raw account of a man confronting the lowest point in his life — not to seek pity, but to take responsibility.” Far from being a political memoir in the traditional mould, Edwards’ writing is deeply personal, exploring themes of shame, regret, and the long, painful road to self-understanding.

While the decision to withdraw his appearance has drawn support from some quarters, others have expressed concern that the festival’s move risks shutting down important conversations.

“It’s a powerful and uncomfortable read,” the review continues, “but that’s what gives it value. In an age where public figures often hide behind PR statements and half-apologies, Edwards has laid himself bare — and that deserves recognition, not rejection.”

Mr Edwards, who stood down at the 2024 general election, has not commented publicly on the festival’s decision. However, those close to him say the memoir was written not to cause harm but as a form of personal and public accountability — a chance to own past mistakes and reflect on what it means to rebuild after failure.

The book has quietly built a following among readers interested not only in politics but in the human cost of public life, and the toll taken by personal breakdown. As our review noted, Into the Abyss is “not a justification — it’s a reckoning.”

Organisers of Llandeilo Lit Fest stressed that they are “dedicated to curating a festival that upholds the values of inclusivity and literary celebration for everyone involved.” But for some, the decision to remove one of the most candid and introspective political memoirs in recent Welsh publishing history raises difficult questions about whose stories are allowed to be heard — and under what circumstances.

Into the Abyss which was co-published by Herald.Wales remains available from major booksellers and online.

A BEAUTIFUL and affectionate four-year-old British Shorthair cat is looking for a calm and loving home through Greenacres Rescue in Pembrokeshire.

Maple, described by staff as having a “luxurious plush coat” and a “gentle, affectionate nature,” came into the charity’s care through no fault of her own. With her classic round face, soulful eyes, and teddy bear-like fur, she is proving popular with volunteers at the centre.

Greenacres said Maple would make an ideal companion for someone seeking a calm and elegant feline friend. She enjoys gentle fuss and quiet company and has previously lived harmoniously with other cats.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Maple would thrive in a peaceful environment where she can settle in at her own pace and be treated with the patience and love she deserves. She may be happy to share her home with another gentle-natured feline.”

The rescue centre is based in Pembrokeshire, but rehomes animals across the UK. However, potential adopters are reminded that visits to the centre are essential, and priority may be given to homes closer to the charity’s location.

Anyone interested in adopting Maple is asked to complete an online application form, clearly stating her name:
Cat Adoption Form – Greenacres Rescue

Applications are processed Monday to Thursday and are subject to home and vet checks. For more information on the adoption process, visit:
Adoption Procedure – Greenacres Rescue

Greenacres thanked all potential adopters for supporting their mission to find loving homes for animals in need.

Could you be the one to give Maple the home she deserves?