Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. The importance of the creative industries to the culture and economy of Wales is significant and, as such, must be nurtured and supported. Prior to the pandemic, the sector had a turnover of £2.2 billion and employed 56,000 people. A recent UK report also noted the potential for the sector to recover faster than the UK economy as a whole. 

The pandemic affected our creative industries in differing ways. While the music sector was hard hit with extended venue closures, other sectors were better placed to adapt. Following an initial standstill, the screen industry worked together to find solutions to restart production and, in June 2020, Wales was home to the first high-end tv drama to recommence production in the UK.  

The appetite for screen content has rocketed and shows no sign of abating. This, combined with the number of productions seeking to film in Wales, has seen the busiest period of activity ever, with over 24 productions shooting across Wales between May and October. This increase in production activity has seen an unprecedented demand for a skilled workforce. Whilst this is very positive news, it has highlighted the very real need for action to help address immediate skills shortages and to ensure that our workforce have the right skills for the future. If Wales is to maintain its position as an attractive UK production hub, the needs of the screen sector must be addressed quickly and in a coherent manner.