Students studying BA Set Design and Production and BA Adventure Filmmaking courses at the Carmarthen campus of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have recently been on work experience on the set of the popular drama series ‘Yr Amgueddfa’ (‘The Museum’) for S4C.
Following the success of the first series, the second series of ‘Yr Amgueddfa’ is currently being filmed and has recently visited Carmarthenshire County Museum. ‘Yr Amgueddfa’ is an original play by the award-winning author Fflur Dafydd, who lives in Carmarthen and works from the Boom Cymru office located at Canolfan S4C Yr Egin. It takes us to the dark and dangerous world of art crime and stars some of Wales’s brightest actors, such as Nia Roberts, Steffan Rhodri, Sharon Morgan and Delyth Wyn, to name just a few.
One of the aims of establishing Canolfan S4C Yr Egin on the UWTSD Carmarthen campus was to provide a link, with the intention of inspiring creativity and imagination amongst the students, and thereby cultivate talent for the future.
Visiting the filming location was a golden opportunity for students to have a taste and ‘real’ experiences of what the industry has to offer during the buzz of producing a drama, as well as forging valuable links for the future – and meeting the occasional celeb!
The author, Fflur Dafydd, is glad to see the Carmarthen campus students taking interest in the production.
“It’s wonderful to see students having direct experience of a professional production such as this – it is one thing to study a subject, but quite another to have practical experience of doing the work, that is how one really learns. It was great that they were able to meet the actors, the director and the technical team, so as to enhance their appreciation of the work and the care that goes into creating a television drama.”
One student who has spent time on set is Sebastian Jones. He said:
“It’s a special opportunity for us as students to be able to have a taste of the television industry and to learn a range of new skills and terminology. Everyone was so friendly, and made us feel part of the team.”
Tea Stevens-Mclennan, another student from Trinity Saint David added:
“I have truly enjoyed my time working on the set. Being able to help the crew and seeing how everything works has been brilliant. Everyone went out of their way to help us, advise us and share stories with us of their time in the industry. This made me feel comfortable in their company and comfortable to do more with them in future.”
For Caitlin Fox, the experience was one that:
“I have enjoyed, and I have learnt much. I am very grateful for the opportunity!”
Siwan Phillips, Head of Production at Boom Cymru production company, said:
“Boom Cymru is singularly proud of collaborating with Trinity Saint David and offering students on its Set Design and Production and Adventure Filmmaking courses an opportunity to have work experience at the location of the set of the second series of the S4C drama ‘Yr Amgueddfa’.
“It is essential that the creative industries invest in the next generation of talent and give them experiences of what the media can offer them as a career.
“We greatly hope that this partnership will continue.”
All the Carmarthen campus creative courses benefit from the presence of Yr Egin, and the students have opportunities and training that match the needs of the industry. Adventure Filmmaking and Filmmaking course students were recently on work experience at Canolfan S4C Yr Egin during the filming of the series ‘Jonathan’ for S4C. Students studying the course Set Design and Theatre Production during the Autumn Term, received advice and guidance from the experienced designer Dave Marsdon, who is responsible for the set of ‘Jonathan,’ as well as the experience of helping to prepare elements of the film ‘Save the Cinema’.
Lecturer Stacey- Jo Atkinson, said:
“Having students be part of the filming of ‘Yr Amgueddfa’ was wonderful. Connecting with industry is an essential element of our degree, and the ability to offer students opportunities across the creative sector is crucial. Thank you Carys, Llinos and Catrin for organizing such a wonderful week.”
Without a doubt, partnerships such as these succeed in expanding and developing the Creative community of Carmarthen, and realise Yr Egin’s vision of ensuring a wave of new talent for the industry in West Wales.
Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, said:
“On the one hand, identifying an access path to the film and television sector can be very difficult at times, whereas on the other, the sector wishes to be more inclusive and seeks talent, especially with an increase in the filming of dramas coupled with a reduction in the number of freelance workers available following in the wake of the effects of covid. Consequently, Yr Egin is very proud to be able to act as a bridge, and receiving such positive feedback from students and from Boom Cymru is a test of its success. By offering practical industrial experience within the catchment area, it reinforces the message that it is perfectly possible to develop a career in the media whilst still living here in West Wales.”
The students were fortunate to be able to visit the production set at Abergwili during the first block of filming, and they are already looking forward to returning for the second block, which will occur in a few weeks’ time.
