Doctor Who duo's new '£100m' production company
- Published
Two people behind Doctor Who's revival are setting up a high-end production company in south Wales and Los Angeles.
Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter's company Bad Wolf will produce big-budget TV series and films for the global television market.
Ms Gardner, originally from Neath Port Talbot, will stay in LA and Ms Tranter will run the Welsh production base.
The Welsh government expects Bad Wolf to bring £100m to the economy over the next 10 years.
The company, which has been given a loan by the Welsh government, is expected to officially begin work in the autumn, though it is close to announcing deals with US networks and studios. Discussions have also begun with UK and European broadcasters.
The loan amount remains confidential for commercial reasons.
Ms Gardner said: "Jane and I have filmed all over the globe and know, first hand, that the talent base in south Wales is world class.
"We are thrilled to be embarking on this new venture surrounded by such shared talent and passion."
Ms Gardner said: "Wales has a centre for [film] production. I think increasingly it's making its mark internationally."
The former BBC executives were responsible for the launch of the BBC Wales-produced series of Doctor Who in 2005 and the spin-off Torchwood.
Both subsequently moved to LA to work for the BBC's commercial arm, BBC Worldwide.
Ms Tranter added: "TV has changed beyond all recognition in the past decade. Huge international productions made on movie scale budgets have put British TV at the forefront of this revolution.
"We are delighted to be working with Welsh government to grow this industry and continue to benefit the economy of Wales."
While in the USA the pair produced three series of the historical drama Da Vinci's Demons, which they brought to Swansea at the specially-created Bay Studios.
Da Vinci's Demons has been sold to 125 countries and created more than 1,500 full time equivalent jobs in Wales.
Minister for Economy Edwina Hart said Bad Wolf had the potential to be a "game changer" for Wales' creative economy.
