fivefold studios is a virtual production facility based at headquarters Dragon Studios in South Wales. The studio spans an impressive 10,000 square feet with a 10-metre high ceiling and is home to one of Europe’s largest 5,000-square-foot green screen coves.  

Established in collaboration with Media Cymru, alongside fivefold will provide a space for research, development and innovation (RD&I) activities for the media sector, as well as a location for training and education.  

David shares why production facilities like fivefold are so important in fuelling the future through green, fair and global innovation. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of research and development in creating sustainable businesses.

David Levy, Managing Director of fivefold: 

fivefold – where creativity meets innovation… 

I’m David Levy, Managing Director of fivefold studios. 

fivefold is an advanced media production company specialising in virtual production, in-camera VFX, real time compositing, motion and performance capture and object tracking, amongst a number of other advanced production tools. We offer these services to both local and international productions.  

The studios are housed in a 10,000 square foot unit, which comprises one of Europe’s largest free standing green screens. We also host a large amount of high-resolution LED screens.  

fivefold × Media Cymru 

fivefold is predominantly a commercial production services company, but the partnership with Media Cymru has allowed us to incorporate something we would have not necessarily been able to do. We can provide a space for research, development and innovation and also a location for training and education. 

Media Cymru has been part of the project from the from the very start, when it was first conceived a few years ago. Their support and contribution has given us the confidence that we can build something of this scale here in Wales, and know that we have opportunities to be successful.

Alongside our partnership with Media Cymru, we’ve been collaborating with Creative Wales, Ffilm Cymru Wales, University of South Wales and Cardiff University, as well as a number of other local partners. Being able to work with these companies has been an incredible experience.

Investing in Welsh media innovation 

It’s important for any industry looking to grow and develop to adopt innovation and to invest in R&D. If you’re not innovating, if you’re not keeping on top of the trends of how media is consumed, you risk falling behind the curve and your company may not be able to compete on a global stage.   

It’s vital that we create a destination here in Wales that attracts not just international productions to come here and to make their content in Wales, but also to act as a destination for local talent, to nurture and encourage the local creative community to pick Wales as their destination for making and telling their stories. 

Advice to innovative startups in Wales 

The welcome we’ve had here in Wales has been amazing. I would recommend this process to anyone thinking about starting up a new company centred on technology and innovation. The framework of support and opportunities the Welsh Government, Media Cymru and local operators have made for external companies to take advantage of is huge.  

If you’re looking to start up a company around innovation… come to Wales, come to speak to the local operators, including Media Cymru. Have conversations, find out what’s available to you. You’ll be surprised how welcoming and supportive they are.  

About fivefold studios 

fivefold studios is a specialist advanced media production company, headquartered in the renowned Dragon Studios Wales.   

A sustainable, technology led enterprise, championing the values that will shape the future of Media & Entertainment, fivefold are committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.  

fivefold put well-being and long- term thinking at the heart of what they do, and how they do it – giving future generations a destination to work, create and tell stories that matter.