The Welsh film and TV sector is delivering on its promise as one of the UK’s rising production hubs, with HBO and BBC’s Industry returning to Cardiff for Season 4. Produced by the Cardiff-based powerhouse Bad Wolf, the series is not only a critical and commercial success—it’s also a strategic investment in the country’s creative economy, supported by Creative Wales and the Welsh Government under a four-year funding agreement.

That agreement is more than a financial boost—it’s a long-game bet on talent and infrastructure. Bad Wolf has committed to a minimum spend within Wales across the deal term, anchoring productions in Cardiff and driving high-value economic activity across the region.

Through a partnership with Screen Alliance Wales, the studio has integrated workforce development directly into production. So far, Industry has created 42 paid trainee placements for Wales-based crew across departments—from costume to graphics—ensuring locals gain access to meaningful, on-set experience. It’s an approach that blends job creation with upskilling, and it’s turning Cardiff into more than a location—it’s becoming a production ecosystem.

On-screen, Industry continues to build momentum, returning with BAFTA-winning lead Marisa Abela, alongside Myha’la, Kit Harington, and newcomers Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) and Max Minghella (The Handmaid’s Tale, The Social Network). Behind the scenes, Wales-based crew are turning Cardiff into London’s financial district—and in past seasons, into New York stand-ins and fantasy-era Oxford. That geographic versatility, backed by a skilled local workforce, is what’s making Wales a recurring player for global productions.

Wales’ Minister for Skills and Culture, Jack Sargeant, visited the set during Learning at Work Week and met four trainees working across departments. “Opportunities like these further develop our homegrown talent and cement Wales’ reputation as a first-class filming location with crew capable of servicing high-end productions,” Sargeant said.

That sentiment is echoed by Jacob Cook, a graphics trainee who transitioned from supermarket shifts to production design through the Screen Alliance Wales pathway. “It’s such a fast-paced environment,” he said. “I had no idea how to break into the industry until I attended a career fair. Two weeks later, I was on set.” His takeaway? “You don’t have to go to Hollywood when you can come to Splott.”

Rosie Berry, a Crowd Costume Trainee with a decade-old degree and a master’s in costume design, saw Industry as her re-entry point after raising children. “We handle up to 40 fittings a day. Some need one look, others need four,” she said. “This placement helped me get in. Now I’m ready to apply for junior roles—I know the path forward starts here.”

This production model—government-backed incentives, local workforce investment, and high-caliber creative execution—shows what’s possible when policy aligns with production.

For studios and streamers looking to scale cost-effectively without compromising quality, Wales is signaling it’s not just open for business—it’s building for the long haul.