Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Assembly for Wales Pwyllgor Diwylliant, y Gymraeg a Chyfathrebu / The Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee Cynyrchiadau Ffilm a Theledu Mawr yng Nghymru / Film and Major TV Production in Wales CWLC(5) FILMTV30 Ymateb gan ie ie productions / Evidence from ie ie productions

ie ie productions is an affirmative Cardiff-based, bilingual production company founded by producer Catryn Ramasut and musician Gruff Rhys in 2005 to produce their award-winning debut feature documentary, ‘Separado!’.

Inspired by collaborative storytelling, cross art, animation and music, the company has gone on to produce a number of network documentaries, including Richard and Jaco: Life with Autism which received over 10 million views on BBC Stories last year.

In 2014, ie ie released their second feature, the centerpiece of the critically acclaimed, groundbreaking, multi-platform project: ‘American Interior’ (a film, an album, a book, an app and a website). Whilst 2017 saw the release of Queerama, which premiered as the opening night film at Sheffield Doc/Fest and was a part of the BFI Gross Indecency strand and BBC Storyville.

The company’s distinctive vision embraces the culture of Wales, and as we have expanded into TV and film we have committed to focusing on female talent and protagonists from diverse backgrounds. ie ie aims to produce innovative and experimental multi platform projects which push the boundaries of creativity and technology. Striving to inform, educate and stimulate an audience of increasingly sophisticated and demanding media users and encourage expansion of global perspectives.

As the managing director and co-founder of ie ie productions, Catryn Ramasut has spent the last decade establishing the company’s global reputation for developing and distributing ambitious and award-winning content and is mentored by Alison Owen (Suffragette, Made in Dagenham, Harlots) and Mary Burke at the BFI. ie ie productions current situation is that of ‘maintained stability’. We successfully produce high quality ‘cultural’ films and television programmes that meet a niche market audience with the assistance of public subsidy support and broadcast commissions. Recipients of the prestigious BFI Vision Award 3 and Ffilm Cymru Wales company support, the company continues to grow, working with a team of freelance producers and directors to develop a varied slate of thought provoking, creative and challenging ‘cultural’ productions.

Whilst continuing to produce creative documentaries, the company aims to build a successful slate of dramatic features - both from established and new / underrepresented voices, which capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.

We are passionate about increasing diversity in the industry both behind and in front of the camera. We have established a flexible working environment for our employees, with a focus on enabling working mothers to remain within the industry. We are also advocates for BAME representation and are mentoring and developing new talent in this area. This commitment to work flexibly and with BAME/underrepresented voices brings with it a significant time commitment which brings its own financial challenges. In order to help build and maintain a more egalitarian Welsh film and television landscape, indigenous companies such as ie ie productions in turn require support from the Welsh Government to continue this work.

The Film and Television landscape has been disrupted by the digital era and if the Welsh film and TV industry want to compete in an international market and create high production value content it needs to transform the industry to survive and thrive. Co-productions are a reality of making drama in Wales. S4C, BBC Wales & FfCW alone cannot fully finance productions that can compete with the giants of online platforms such as Amazon and Netflix, especially if they are bilingual or Welsh language productions. It is therefore imperative that there is Welsh Government support. The WG need to have a strategy and policies that leads to a future where there is a level playing field helping Welsh film and television achieve maximum economic growth and cultural reach. The direction of travel for any WG finance funds needs to include an assessment criteria not solely based on commercial viability but assessed on the intended platform, diversity & cultural impact also.

 Historically, lack of communication to financing funds have created barriers to access.  Indigenous films should be able to reach a commercial audience but their cultural or heritage value must be considered when assessing their application. E.g. TV drama productions such as BANG, Derry Girls and Young Offenders may not be considered high-end TV but they are culturally significant because they represent a contemporary portrayal of a city/country/region which is not generally explored on the small screen.  Independent Welsh production companies need slate support as well as production specific support to bring Welsh stories and talent to the screen.  Support should be available for film and television productions that are under what is considered the ‘high end TV’ qualification threshold which makes them ineligible for the HMRC tax credit.

National Cinema for Wales - we need a national centre for film. There is no one central focus point for film production in Wales. It does not seem to be considered an art form by the Arts Council for Wales and FfCW only has limited resources to support indie film making. The BFI have the Southbank cinemas and facilities and a hub at Stephen St.

Welsh Film Festival - there are lots of small film festivals but no single reputable annual festival of film in Wales which would also encourage a healthy film community in Wales which is currently lacking.

IN DEVELOPMENT

MERCHED PARCHUS (RESPECTABLE GIRLS) -

Written by and starring Hanna Jarman & Mari Beard

8 x 15’ - A bilingual, multi-platform comedy drama - in development with S4C

Merched Parchus (Respectable Girls) is a witty, honest and sometimes dark, social commentary on what it’s really like for Cardiff’s desensitised, social media generation of 20 - 30 somethings - as they strive to live, love and get their shit together.

Episodes feature American true-crime podcasts and stand alone soundtracks from well known Welsh musicians with established international fan bases.

CANDYLION -

Written by Gruff Rhys, expanding on the Candylion IP - 2007 Album, 2015 Stage play collaboration with National Theatre Wales. Now - an Animated Family Feature

Partners/funders – Cloth Cat Animation and Ffilm Cymru Wales

Following her parents arrest, Candylion is thrown into a fantastical psychedelic musical journey of self-discovery from unequal twin to empowered equal sister who conquers her brother’s negative vibes and smashes the patriarchy through the power of song.

GREENHAM COMMON - writer TBC

Live Action Feature

Partners – Monumental Productions (Alison Owen)

Set against the landscape of 80s Britain and the looming threat of Nuclear war, Greenham Common will portray the untold Welsh story through the personal and political impact of one of the most iconic protests in recent history; from its humble beginnings in rural Carmarthenshire, to the 120-mile march from Cardiff to Berkshire, to the peace camp that lasted 19 years.