Sandfields Centre can grow biz for showbiz

For almost 20 years Sandfields Business Centre at Port Talbot has launched dozens of new companies with its welcome mix of support and affordable rents helping entrepreneurs with bright ideas and a determination to be their own boss.

Businesses have ranged from estate agents and insurance brokers to stained glass window creators, printers, sign writers and clothing designers.

Now there has been a move into the world of film with a cultural core of movie-makers developing in the centre. And these are not just educational and promotional films but full-scale movies destined for international markets.

Opening the door on this art form in 2003 was Tornado Films which began life making short films but has now expanded into full-scale movies. Director Antony Smith, who started his career with ITV says although they started small they are now producing full length movies for markets in America, Japan, Australia and Germany.

The company is currently at work on a Viking movie and have been filming on Aberavon Beach, at Margam and at Penllergaer Woods.

“We have found a niche market and we have such great locations in this area. We produce Viking and Dark Age films and we plan to produce two or three films a year” he said.

The company currently has five full-time staff and between 30 and 40 part-time working on the current film which is expected to be completed by February 2016.

Nearby in the Centre is Buffoon Film and Media which since 2011 has been producing promotional films for a wide range of customers including Tata Steel and the NHS. Boss Adam Amor started filming when he was 14 years old after picking up a video camera for the first time.

“I taught myself how to use video cameras and editing software to produce videos. Now there are three of us working on a number of projects across the UK for businesses big and small.
“We have also launched a new brand, GoBuffoon, an authorised UK retailer for GoPro, which is a growing market,” he added.

The newest kid on the block is Dragon Sparks Productions where producer/director Jay Powrie is currently planning his first full-scale movie which he hopes to start filming next February.

“I went to Neath College when I was 16 but after three months decided it was not for me. I set up my first company and have not looked back,” he said.

Jay said he does not plan to concentrate on one genre but will work on various ideas. They have over a decade of experience producing professional videos for clients. There are currently just three of them in the company but he is planning to employ two more in the next few months.

Cllr. Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said: “The creative industry has long played an important role in the history of Neath Port Talbot. There are so many people out there with the potential to become entrepreneurs and set up successful businesses who simply need that help and encouragement to take those first steps.”

“At Sandfields Business Centre we aim to do just that and provide the facilities and advice to set them on their way and realise their full potential.”

Movie Magic is certainly alive and well at Sandfields but Neath Port Talbot is also fast developing into a creative hub, proving a gateway for UK and International film and TV productions.

It is home to one of Europe’s largest indoor film Studios, Bay Studios on Fabian Way, which has development potential to become one of the key film facilities in Europe.

There is a wealth of locations within the county and easy access to many more within the region.

Among the internationally recognised productions which have been filmed in the county are Da Vinci’s Demons, Dr Who, Torchwood, Sarah Jane Adventures and Merlin, while the film listings for the county and the wider region also include Harry Potter, Snow White and the Huntsman, Dark Knight and Set Fire to the Stars.