Wales’ Strengths in the Creative Industries Showcased through Conference Ambassadors
Meet In Wales has announced the next evolution of its Sector Strategy campaigns, this time focusing on the destination’s creative industries. The digital content campaign which showcases feedback from the producers, directors, production designers and actors behind HBO’s global TV sensation Game of Thrones’, prequel House of the Dragon, highlights the destination's strengths for business events. It also narrates the journey of conference ambassadors within the creative industries, covering areas such as advertising, media, broadcast production, esports, and gaming. Supported by Creative Wales, HBO, the network behind the series has now released the much- anticipated second season of House of the Dragon, using North Wales as a key location and underlining the destination’s natural landscapes, its affinity with storytelling, and its strong links to the wider international creative and media industries. Meet In Wales is capitalising on Creative Wales’ support for the production through its Sector Strategy, showcasing the destination’s national ambassador program, one of few countrywide initiatives of its type, and the significance of conference ambassadors in the creative sector. Equally, the destination is using the campaign to highlight the unique settings and landscapes that business event organisers can make the most of while in Wales. The initiative also follows on from Meet In Wales recent focus on the esports and gaming industries, and once again shows Wales as not only a highly-connected destination, but one with an increasingly global reach, on the biggest stage. Maintaining a positive relationship with HBO cast members has been a rewarding experience and cast members including Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen), Emma D’Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen), Freddie Fox (Gwayne Hightower), and local favourite Rhys Ifans (Ser Otto Hightower), have all shared their thoughts on working in Wales and the strengths of the destination. In addition to boosting the local economy with over 250 local people employed to work as crew members, the campaign also hears from Executive Producers, Directors, Production Designers, and Screenwriters including, Loni Peristere (Executive Producer / Director), Alan Taylor (Executive Producer / Director), Geeta Vasant Patel (Co-Executive Producer / Director), Jim Clay (Production Designer), and Ryan Condal (Executive Producer / Showrunner / Writer), all of whom bring to life how the natural landscapes of Wales contributed to the final production of the show. Speaking at the time of production, Kevin de la Noy, Executive producer, said: “It was great to be shooting in Wales with its stunning scenery and landscapes that bring to life our Westeros. I had no hesitation in taking House of the Dragon there, as we knew the support from Government and the local populous would help us achieve remarkable footage, and we were blessed with the most glorious weather too. Thank you, Wales!” Wales’ core sectors strategy consists of; Renewables, Life Sciences, FinTech, Creative, Cyber Security & Compound Semi-Conductors, Food & Drink, High Value Manufacturing, and Tourism.
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