Wildflame Productions, a Welsh factual studio known for its children’s series, is unfortunately closing its doors due to a slowdown in commissions and the broader economic downturn. The studio’s CEO, Paul Islwyn Thomas, expressed his disappointment, stating that this is the toughest situation he has seen in his over 40 years in the industry. The company has not yet finalized its closing date, but it is expected that around eight people will be affected by this closure.
Since its establishment in 2015, Wildflame Productions has produced several children’s docuseries for broadcasters such as BBC and Welsh broadcaster S4C. One of their notable series is „Our Little World,“ which aired on S4C’s children’s block Cyw in 2022. This series aimed to educate children about different cultures, languages, and foods from around the world. It was also available on BBC iPlayer and Sky, reaching a wider audience.
Another impactful series produced by Wildflame was „Evacuees,“ a 2022 docuseries that consisted of six 40-minute episodes and two 60-minute documentaries. This series focused on eight non-Welsh speaking kids from the UK who moved to Welsh-speaking areas, shedding light on the language and social barriers faced by real English wartime evacuees when they sought refuge in Wales during bombings. S4C commissioned the series, and it was also available on iPlayer.
In addition to these projects, Wildflame Productions worked on other children’s programs like „Easy Peasy Politics“ for BBC Bitesize in 2021, which aimed to educate kids about democracy in the UK. They also produced „Small Animals of the World“ in 2020, introducing children to various animals. This series was initially aired on S4C’s Cyw and later picked up by iPlayer.
Wildflame Productions was previously part of Flame Media Group before becoming a 100% independently owned company in 2020. Thomas expressed his sadness at having to close the studio, highlighting the hard work put into establishing a strong nations-based factual indie in Cardiff. The challenging circumstances, including slow commissioning, broadcasters re-evaluating their strategies, and the economic downturn, have created a perfect storm for the sector, leading to the closure of Wildflame Productions.
In conclusion, the closure of Wildflame Productions is a significant loss for the industry, given its contributions to children’s programming and factual content. Despite the challenges faced, the studio leaves behind a legacy of educational and engaging series that have impacted young audiences. The closure serves as a reminder of the volatility of the media industry and the importance of adaptability in navigating uncertain times.
