The latest news about the downgrade of the UK’s triple A rating by Moodys may be good news for the Film and TV industry. The UK as a film and TV location has been featured in many series and films, not least the latest successful Bond feature, Skyfall, grossing $1bn at the box office. There is so much going on in the UK it has to be a serious consideration for those planning an epic TV series or Film. Mad Dog Casting supplied the London extras for Skyfall, Rosena Robson their MD said"The UK has really stepped up, not only are there amazing facilities here, and historic locations and landscapes, as well as many organisations to help film and TV makers but a new tax incentive and favourable exchange rates make the UK very attractive. The Olympics last year was unusual, and did not follow the usual seasonal patterns but we are gearing up for 2013
to be a big year for Mad Dog artists."

Those investing in studio facilities certainly think so with significant investment in studios around London and in particularly picturesque parts of the UK. Warner has invested in Leavensden Studios, the home of Harry Potter over the last few years and has developed an incredible space for film making, investing £100m in a rebuild, Pinewood Studios similarly have recently submitted a £200m plan, and Elstree Studios have recently submitted their own expansion plan. These are just some of the studios in and around London, and there are also other locations to take advantage of, and new developments are plenty. One notable development is happening in Wales, Cardiff has great studio facilities but Swansea, which is home to the new series Da Vincis Demons has been helped by the creative Neath Port Talbot Council who have facilitated turning an old car plant into studio facilities. Bay Studios is based in Swansea, and supported by some of the picturesque and historic landscapes and buildings in and around Swansea. Mad Dog is growing its Welsh based arm in response to demand for supporting artists as the impact of new facilities takes shape. Some of the regional growth has occurred as broadcasters and commissioners alike have focussed on certain regions, the impact of the BBC moving cult TV series Dr Who has led to a raft of other series being made in Wales and in turn to more consideration and a hunt for new facilities. These developments create a virtuous circle which boosts the local economy.

The impact of the decreasing value of the British pound will certainly help overseas productions coming to the UK but an up and coming tax credit for TV and games production may help to persuade those producing big budget work that it will really pay to come to the UK. The UK has great facilities and a new budgetary incentive, a triple British Best Actor Oscar Winner, and talented crew and technicians supported by numerous organisations which help to develop skills in all areas of filmmaking. 2013 is shaping up to be a good year.

From time to time Mad Dog are able to offer work experience to students at school, college or University, or those who have just left. As you can imagine we are often approached. These are short term placements which are driven by the type of experience the individual is looking for.

Mad Dogs commitment is to give people genuinely valuable experience and training. We always pay expenses.

All of the Mad Dog Casting team did work experience themselves either here at Mad Dog or elsewhere and it led directly to work either back at Mad Dog or elsewhere in the film and TV industry.

The special Mad Dog Skyfall screening was a huge success. The excitement and anticipation meant some Mad Dog Artists turned up very early and braved the miserable Monday night weather but their patience paid off. The Cinema was packed with artists who worked on the film as extras, the entire Mad Dog team and two very special guests and speakers, crew who worked on the film. Our speakers gave a great insight into how the background artists play a vital part in the sound and visuals and authenticity of any  film, and what they contributed to this film in particular. And those in the audience were given permission to squeal if they saw themselves in Skyfall!

Once the film was underway the cinema was silent apart from the odd intake of breath or squeal as the artists caught sight of themselves on the streets of London, and on set in many of the other scenes. One person in the upper tier was so overwhelmed when he caught sight of himself he stood up and took a half bow and a smattering of applause broke out around him.

Everyone coming out agreed how good the film was, and that it has earned its critics billing as the best Bond ever. In this the 50^th anniversary of the Bond films, this very special Bond with London at its heart, it was a special  evening indeed. Thanks to all those who came.

Thank you to all those who applied for a casting assistant role at Mad Dog. We recieved over 1000 applications and we cannot reply to everyone individually. The standard of applications was very high. We are keeping everyones details on file should further opportunities arise.

Massive thank you to all those that attended this party, I think we can safely say everyone had a great night!

For gossip and pictures from the event make sure you follow us on facebook and twitter!

Until the next time, thanks again folks!

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