Media Investment Panel of independent experts appointed

A Media Investment Panel of independent experts has been appointed by Economy Minister Edwina Hart to advise on commercial film and TV investment proposals.

The Panel will be operational from April 2016 to April 2019 and will provide advice on proposals for Media Investment Budget funding, as well as considering applications for funding for film and TV projects of £1 million and over. It replaces a previous Panel with the same remit which was set up in 2014 but whose tenure is set to expire.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:

“I am delighted to announce the new Panel that is set to play a key role in ensuring the best projects are supported through our investment budgets and have the potential to have a significant impact on the creative industries in Wales.

“Panel members have a wealth of experience and expertise across the film and TV sector and are well placed to advise on important investment projects to drive the growth of this key sector and the considerable economic benefits it creates for Wales.

“We have had a number of very notable successes in attracting major  TV and film projects to Wales in recent years which is raising the profile of the sector internationally and highlighting what Wales can offer the film industry.”

Peter McInerney, Ron Jones, Ellen McDonald and Richard Wolfe have been re-appointed and John Giwa-Amu and Paul Higgins are new appointments.

The new Media Investment Panel

Peter McInerney (Chair)

Peter McInerney is Head of Film, TV & Broadcasting at Sheridans Solicitors and has chaired the Media Investment Panel for the last two years. He has extensive knowledge of the commercial film and television industry and in particular of production finance.

Ron Jones

Ron Jones is executive chairman of the Tinopolis Group based in Llanelli. He has significant experience in the film and TV industry and of leading one of the most successful UK independent production companies which is now a global operator. He has been a member of the Media Investment Panel for the last two years and is a valuable advisor to the Welsh Government on developing the creative industries in Wales.

Ellen McDonald

Ellen McDonald is Financial Controller for the LBP Outlander TV series. She has extensive experience within the television industry, and knowledge of production finance in the USA and UK. She has sat on the Media Investment Panel for two years.

Richard Wolfe

Richard Wolfe is an advisor and investor in film, TV and the internet. He has extensive experience of the industry as the owner of various TV companies, a global media rights fund, and as a personal investor. Richard has already served on the Media Investment Panel for two years.

John Giwa-Amu

John Giwa-Amu co-owns Cardiff based Red and Black Films. He is a multi-award winning film producer with a broad understanding of the film industry having co-founded Red and Black which has produced and distributed several internationally acclaimed features. He also has experience of film finance, sales, distribution and games within the sector.

Paul Higgins

Paul Higgins is an entrepreneur and investor. He has significant experience in the film and TV industry gained over a number of years of operating in Wales which has given him a thorough understanding of film investment.