By Carole Dennett
Film industry figures, MPs, peers, Islanders, and a few famous faces gathered at the House of Commons on Wednesday evening for a special reception showcasing the plans for Medina Studios, the new state‑of‑the‑art film and television complex proposed for East Cowes.
The champagne reception was hosted by the team behind the project – Neil Blewett, David Godfrey, and Duncan Heath – with the support of West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, who sponsored the event to highlight the scale of the opportunity for the Island. It was also attended by his East Wight colleague, Joe Robertson.
Education and training for young Islanders formed a central part of the presentation. Neil and David stressed that the studios would create new pathways into the film and TV industry for Island youngsters, as well as opportunities for those with existing technical skills to transfer into the sector. Duncan, the co-chairman of Europe’s biggest talent agency, who represents many household names, said that his role, making sure the studios were well-used by the industry once they were up and running, was by far the easiest part of the equation, and paid tribute to the duo for their vision and the energy they brought to the project.
Writer and producer, Dominic Minghella, who also attended the event, said he was “excited” by the plans. Growing up in Ryde, he said, there had been “no option but to leave the Island” to pursue a career in film – but Medina Studios would give today’s young Islanders opportunities he never had.
Discussions with government about support for the project are ongoing and described as positive, with the aim of accelerating delivery and securing early economic benefits for the Island.
A major independent study by Saffery and Nordicity – previously reported by the IW Observer – concluded that Medina Studios could deliver £36.3 million a year to the Island’s economy by 2035, and support up to 875 jobs across production and local suppliers. The report also highlights the Island’s long‑term educational challenges, and argues that the project represents exactly the kind of high‑skill industry needed to stop young people leaving.
Supporters say the development would also boost the visitor economy, through screen tourism, with productions filmed on the Island driving long‑term increases in visitor numbers, overnight stays, and local spending.
Richard Quigley said: “It is always a pleasure to bring people from the Island into Parliament, so it was fantastic to host the Medina Studios event, showcasing their plans. Medina Studios will be transformational not just for East Cowes, but the entire Island. Neil, Dave and Duncan are passionate about delivering the project, and I know they’re just as passionate about creating jobs and training opportunities for Islanders. So it’s a real pleasure to be working with them to promote the studios and the opportunities it’ll bring to the Island.”
Neill added: “It was a momentous occasion to reach this stage, and fantastic to showcase our plans to Ministers and underline how important the project is to the future of young people on the Island. We’re building real momentum, and plans for our next steps are already underway.”
