The Isle of Wight is soon to be home to a significant new film and television studio, situated on the banks of the Medina River.
The company behind this exciting new venture, Medina Studios Ltd have a plethora of experience in this sector.
A wealth of experience
Duncan Heath (Co-Chairman of Independent Talent Group), David Godfrey (Former Director of International Operations of the Pinewood Group) and Neil Blewett (Managing Director of Datasat Media) all feel the timing is perfect to attract high end TV dramas and feature films to an area of the UK already blessed with an abundance of locations.
Nestled amongst woodland, clifftops, beaches, historic villages, period houses, this new studio will benefit from copious amounts of filming locations on its doorstep.
Heath: One of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been involved with
Duncan Heath, having been resident on the Isle of Wight for over 50 years is extremely excited about the opportunities this new facility will bring to the Island.
“I’ve been in this business a long time and been lucky enough to be involved with some of the largest feature and television productions. But I have to say this is one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been involved with.”
Medina Studios
Medina Studios Ltd is to build a facility comprising four sounds stages totalling 70,000 sq ft, along with all production support space including workshops and office facilities, creating a hugely attractive venue for both film and television projects.
David Godfrey who is integral to the studio design and build said,
“We are fully committed to this project and are confident that Medina Studios will attract a variety of productions who wish to base themselves on the Island.
“The studio lot will offer stages and support for traditional production needs, technical filming and weather cover for the many productions currently utilising the Island’s wonderful and varied locations.”
Isle of Wight’s first screen-based media hub
The Isle of Wight Council (IWC) who are selling Kingston Marine Park to its new owner feel the site is ideally positioned for such a facility.
Built on 16 acres of river frontage, Medina Studios will be home to the Isle of Wight’s first screen-based media hub.
Jones-Evans: We will work with them to deliver the vision
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for Levelling Up, Regeneration and Business said,
“The approach from Medina Studios is a game changer for the Island, in terms of high-quality creative jobs at the leading edge of this evolving and fast-growing sector.
“With many of the major studios looking to expand and creative talent looking for a home, we are glad to welcome Duncan, David and Neil and will work with them to deliver the vision.
“The Alliance administration has prioritised the further development of creative industries, building on the great talent base we already have, as part of the development of a holistic cultural strategy for the Island.”
Blewett: I can’t wait to see what this new venture will bring to this magnificent Island
Heart and centre to Medina Studios, will be the integrated technology.
Neil Blewett, a key part of this design, commented,
“Our aim is to make the studios digitally future proofed by understanding the latest production technology requirements. We will harness the latest camera workflow technology and provide ultrafast broadband to ensure seamless connectivity to global media hubs, including London and Hollywood.
“Security is key to this and as the landscape for producers and production teams, all over the world, has changed we feel cyber security has now become a necessary service for the modern studio. That’s the technical side, for me personally I can’t wait to see what this new venture will bring to this magnificent Island and the opportunities it will create.”
Article edit
12.30pm 11th Nov 2022 – Artist’s impression added
News shared by Medina Studios, in their own words. Ed
Image: avel chuklanov under CC BY 2.0
