Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the first Royal Patron for PGGB
The Earl of Wessex has become the new Patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain, the UK's leading membership organisation for professionals working in film and television drama production.
To mark the new patronage, His Royal Highness visited Twickenham Film Studios in West London, the UK's oldest film studio. His Royal Highness met production crew at the studios to hear about their experiences of working in the industry, and the support provided by the PGGB, as he takes up his new role as Patron. The Earl also joined Oscar winner Tim Cavagin, who won for sound editing Bohemian Rhapsody, at the studio's mixing desk to learn more about the craft and importance of sound editing in film and TV production.
A Royal visit
His Royal Highness is the first Royal Patron in the history of PGGB, which represents skilled professionals working behind the camera within the production office, accounting, locations, assistant directing, post-production and VFX. As well as providing industry advice, employment opportunities and training to UK crew, PGGB also works closely with the British Film Commission to increase access to a diverse and experienced workforce.
On becoming Patron, HRH The Earl of Wessex said: "The Production Guild of Great Britain provides incredibly valuable support to the UK's production industry and crews, especially those in the less glamorous and visible roles. If we want more young people to consider a career in production, then we ought to be shining a brighter light on where the opportunities lie. I look forward to working with the Guild and trying to help them in their efforts to broaden access and inclusion within the UK production workforce."
Twickenham honoured to welcome HRH
Cara Sheppard, Managing Director of Twickenham Film Studios, said: "We were honoured to welcome The Earl of Wessex, a long-time supporter of our industry, to Twickenham Film Studios today. We were delighted to give His Royal Highness a tour of all of our filming stages and our BAFTA and Oscar-winning Sound and Picture department, and to introduce The Earl to some of our clients and in-house creative talent. It is hugely encouraging to feel the genuine support for increasing diversity and inclusion within our industry and attracting and training the next generation of filmmakers."