13/12/2006

TAC, the Welsh Independent Producers trade association and PACT, the largest trade association in the film, TV and interactive media sectors in the UK, have decided to merge to boost the vitality of the independent sector.

Established in 1984, TAC represents some 70 businesses involved primarily in the production of programmes and content for Welsh-based broadcasters and other audiovisual service providers. PACT, which counts over 1,000 members, has headquarters in London, an office in Scotland and regional representation throughout the UK.

"Pact has excellent resources at its disposal, which will benefit television and film producers in Wales as they evolve and adapt to the fast pace of change in the sector", said TAC Chairman Dafydd Rhys. "The decision to merge with Pact was not taken lightly but it was a unanimous one by the TAC Council. The decision reflects the evolving needs of companies in Wales as they grow and exploit new markets in this increasingly competitive and technology driven marketplace".

This year, PACT’s film policy has focused on the new tax incentives and the association will continue in 2007 to lobby the Government so that it will extend the definition of UK expenditure to include expenditure on UK talent, crafts and services, whether working in the UK or overseas. PACT will also lobby for greater commitment to film production from UK broadcasters.

During its annual council election held last week, the trade body confirmed the names of its 2007 council members: Chair: Alex Graham (Wall to Wall), Vice Chair, Feature Film; Andrea Calderwood (Slate Films), Vice Chair, Television; Nick Rosen (Vivum Intelligent Media), Vice Chair, Children and Animation; Mike Watts (Novel Entertainment), Vice Chair, Interactive; and Andrew Chitty (Illumina Digital).