Will Wales' filming locations bring more visitors?

Wales is known for its stunning landscapes, including its majestic mountains and beautiful beaches. Recently, the popular television series House of the Dragon filmed some of its scenes on a picturesque beach in Wales. This has sparked a lot of interest among fans of the show, who are now eager to visit the filming locations. If you have ever dreamed of walking on the very beach where a dragon landed, then you should check out the campaigns by Visit Wales and Visit Britain. They are promoting famous filming locations across the UK, especially those featured in House of the Dragon, which is a prequel to the iconic series Game of Thrones. One of the most notable locations is Llanddwyn beach, also known as Newborough, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a fantastic spot for visitors. While you are in the area, you can also take a trip to Plas Newydd, a historic country house located on Anglesey. This house is the backdrop for an upcoming film that tells the fascinating story of Henry Paget, the fifth Marquess of Anglesey. Paget was known for his flamboyant personality and extravagant lifestyle, often dressing in outrageous costumes and putting on theatrical performances for the local community. Unfortunately, he faced financial ruin and passed away at a young age of 29. Plas Newydd has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century, making it a captivating place to explore. Visit Wales is utilizing a promotional video to showcase other filming locations throughout Wales. Some of these sites include the former University of South Wales campus in Caerleon, St Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life located on the outskirts of Cardiff, and Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan. These locations have been featured in various films and television shows, making them exciting destinations for fans and tourists alike. Additionally, Film Hub Wales is dedicated to promoting Welsh films and has compiled a comprehensive database of films with connections to Wales that are set to be released this year. Their goal is to raise awareness of these films and the stunning areas of Wales where they were produced. They have created an online guide called Made in Wales, which lists all the films scheduled for release in 2025 that have a connection to Wales, whether through their stars, locations, or production teams. Toki Allison, the project manager, emphasizes their commitment to amplifying Welsh-connected films. They aim to ensure that once a film is ready for distribution or heading to festivals, it receives the attention it deserves and reaches cinemas. There are several exciting films set to be released this year that are connected to Wales. One of these films is titled Mr Burton, which tells the story of the renowned actor Richard Burton and focuses on his childhood and the mentor who recognized his talent for acting. Another film, Madfabulous, explores the life of Henry Cyril Paget, a colorful character known for his extravagant lifestyle. Additionally, there is a film called Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans, which features stars Tom Hardy and Forest Whittaker in an action-packed adventure. The filming for Havoc took place in various locations across south Wales, including Cardiff, Swansea, and Barry, where the filmmakers transformed these areas to resemble the United States. Tom Hardy and Forest Whittaker were even spotted enjoying their time off in beautiful locations like Tenby and Penarth, sharing their experiences on social media. In a unique twist, Visit Wales is also highlighting the significance of an aqueduct in the animated film Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The filmmakers drew inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage site at Pontcysyllte in Denbighshire when designing their own version for the film's climactic scene. This aqueduct is a stunning piece of engineering and adds to the charm of the region. Later this year, the town of Port Talbot will take center stage in the film Mr Burton, which tells the story of Philip Burton, a teacher who guided a young boy named Richard Jenkins during World War Two. Richard Jenkins later became a famous actor and adopted Mr Burton's surname. Another film, The Man in the Basement, will be filmed in Carmarthenshire, which will stand in for Long Island, New York. This thriller stars Willem Dafoe and is set to be released this year. The house used for filming is a charming old building that resembles a classic American home. Film Hub Wales aims to show that Welsh films are not limited to the physical locations within Wales. They also want to highlight films made by Welsh filmmakers or featuring Welsh talent, even if they are set in other countries. One such example is a film called Satu: Year of the Rabbits, which was filmed entirely in Laos and tells the story of a boy searching for his mother. Another film, Brides, follows two teenage girls who leave Wales for Syria in search of a different life. Toki Allison emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity of Welsh films and the unique narratives that emerge from Wales. They believe that Welsh cinema has a lot to offer and want to share these beautiful stories with audiences around the world.