Skellig

Production

Producers: FEEL Films

Type: TV, feature

Genre: family drama

Synopsis: Skellig tells the story of a boy called Michael with a terminally ill little sister. He discovers a magical creature called Skellig living in the garage of his new home and over time starts to learn how it could help his baby sister.

Web site: www.sky1.co.uk/skellig 

Investment

Amount: 15% of total budget

Partners: Limelight, Sky

Executive: Bethan Bannister, Bethan Cousins

Why we invested

In 2008 Sky committed to investing £10m into a slate of high-definition family drama shows with 'Skellig' featuring as its flagship production. It has a strong cast, including Tim Roth, Kelly MacDonald and John Simm.

Skellig has the potential to draw a large audience. It was adapted from an award-winning novel which is part of the national curriculum.

Investment outcome

Skellig’s producers shot the entire production in and around Cardiff, at locations such as Caerphilly Castle, Wenalt Woods and Canada Lakes at Llantrisant. The estimated Welsh spend during filming is in the region of £1.4 million.

Skellig had a TV premiere and a short theatrical run before being released on DVD. Overseas sales are expected to be high.

Testimonials

“The enthusiastic support of the Wales Creative IP Fund coupled with the fantastic resources, great crews, and perfect locations in and around Cardiff, and the close proximity to London, made shooting in Wales an easy decision.” Nick Hirschkorn, producer, FEEL Films.

“Skellig is a great example of a commercially appealing project having an immediate positive impact on the economy in Wales.” Bethan Bannister, investment executive, Finance Wales.