By Carole Dennett
A major new economic study says the Medina Studios development, which already has full planning permission, could deliver one of the largest economic boosts the Isle of Wight has seen in decades.
The independent report, produced by film industry specialists, Saffery, and global consultancy, Nordicity, and seen by the IW Observer, sets out in detail how a state of the art film and television studio in East Cowes could generate £36.3 million a year for the Island’s economy by 2035, and support up to 875 jobs across production and local suppliers. The project would enable existing businesses to grow, and encourage new creative and technical companies to be set up.
The study highlights the Island’s long-term educational and economic challenges, including the lowest GCSE and A level results in England. It argues that Medina Studios represents exactly the kind of high skill industry needed to reverse this decline, and stop ambitious young Islanders leaving to pursue careers elsewhere. As the report states, the Island is “losing its young people – students and workers alike. The decline is accelerating.”
To help unlock the project’s full potential quickly, the report recommends a £13.2 million package from central government, similar to support provided to other successful out-of- London projects, such as Crown Works Studios in Sunderland. The experienced team behind Medina Studios, Duncan Heath, Neil Blewett, and David Godfrey, recognise that targeted public funding to support private investment would speed up delivery and bring economic benefits sooner, potentially within months through the preparation of groundworks.
The study also emphasises that Medina Studios would be the world’s first Net Zero film and TV studio, using an integrated system of solar generation, electric vehicles, and battery storage. The approach supports the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status, and would broaden its appeal to environmentally conscious productions. The Island’s “wealth of camera ready natural and built locations” is also mentioned as a major advantage.
Supporters of the project
Writer and producer, Dominic Minghella, who grew up in Ryde, says the development will “put our beautiful Island on the creative map more firmly than ever before,” while partner and Independent Talent Group chairman, Duncan Heath – whose clients include Daniel Craig, Colin Firth, and Phoebe Waller Bridge – believes the studio will attract major broadcasters and global streaming platforms to the Island.
West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, is urging ministers to support the plan, calling it “a huge boost” for the Island. “We need ambitious projects like this to make sure that young people can keep building their futures on the Island,” he added.
The project also has the potential to boost the Island’s struggling visitor economy. The report highlights the value of screen tourism – worth hundreds of millions nationally – and notes that productions filmed in distinctive locations drive long-term increases in visitor numbers, overnight stays, and local spending. Following a meeting between Neil Blewett and the new leadership of Visit Isle of Wight yesterday, the tourism body’s CEO, Dominic Wray, said: “It is vital to recognise the value of hosting film and TV productions here. The Island is now at a stage to unlock its full potential as a filming destination, and for screen tourism to take-off here in an unprecedented way.
“Film and TV productions can provide immediate benefits to the economy, through our local accommodation providers, the hospitality sector, our transport operators and more, while providing a long-lasting on-screen advert for the Island that can be seen all over the world.
“We’ve already benefitted from some productions heading to our shores, and with the addition of a film and TV production studio at East Cowes, we can only expect the benefits to the tourism industry to multiply!”
Mal Butler