The Film Agency for Wales is backing three new features with £460,000 in funding: Isabel Coixet’s Panda Eyes, Duane Hopkins’ Bypass, and Dominic Murphy’s Cassy and Jude.
The agency is backing Panda Eyes with £200,000. Rebekah Gilbertson of Rainy Day Films is producing with Spain’s Tornasol. Fox International Production is handling sales and distribution. The teen psychological chiller will start shooting this spring.
“This project will see a team of producing partners, from across the UK, working together to increase vital talent relationships and connect with financing partners across Europe,” said Suzanne Alizart, Interim Chief Executive of the Film Agency for Wales. “Without doubt, the talent behind this film gives it real commercial viability and we would expect significant interest with both festival and commercial exposure. The potential economic benefits for Wales are also strong with a substantial inward investment of approximately £1.75 million and a Wales based shoot ensuring jobs for local crew.”
Hopkins’ Bypass, from Wales’ Severn Screen and Newcastle-based Third Films, will also start shooting this spring, with £110,000 in Agency backing. The film is also supported by the BFI and Sweden’s Film I Vast. Hopkins [pictured] previously directed Cannes selection Better Things.
Alizart of the Film Agency added: “Co-productions are vital for the development of small production companies and they need help if we are to create a viable and sustainable Wales-based infrastructure.”
Dominic Murphy’s Cassy and Jude will get £150,000 to Welsh producer Meinir Stoutt of Links Film Productions. The film is a UK-French co-production led by UK-based F&ME and France-based Partizan. The film is based on Dorothy Baker’s novel Cassandra At The Wedding, about twin sisters faced with separation after one gets married. Content is handling sales.
Alizart noted: “The funding for these three feature films is all about nurturing Welsh film talent and supporting the long-term viability of Welsh production companies. Our investment plays an important role in ensuring that Welsh talent develops and produces high impact films of international significance, confirming Wales as the creative nation to watch.”
Other recent films backed by the Film Agency For Wales include Resistance, The British Guide To Showing Off, Hunky Dory and Submarine.
The Agency is funded by the Arts Council of Wales, the BFI and the Welsh Government, via Creative Business Wales
No comments yet