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Producer Don Leisure wins Welsh Music Prize

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 4:56 GMT by BBC
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Don Leisure Takes the Spotlight: Welsh Producer Wins Prestigious Industry Award

In a glittering ceremony held at the historic Cardiff City Hall, Welsh film and television producer Don Leisure was presented with the coveted Producer of the Year award at the 2024 Welsh Film and Television Awards (WFTAs). The accolade, awarded by the Welsh Film Academy, recognizes a career of dedication to storytelling that champions local talent, innovative production techniques, and cross‑cultural narratives.

Leisure’s win marks a significant milestone not only for him personally but for the burgeoning Welsh film industry as a whole, underscoring the sector’s growing international presence. The WFTAs, which celebrate the best in Welsh‑made content across drama, comedy, documentaries, and short films, have long been a barometer of national cinematic health. The 2024 ceremony, attended by industry stalwarts, artists, and a small but enthusiastic crowd of local journalists, celebrated the resilience of Welsh creatives in a post‑pandemic landscape that has seen the industry adapt to new funding models and digital distribution platforms.

A Career Built on Community and Innovation

Born in Swansea in 1972, Don Leisure’s early career began behind the scenes as a production assistant on a series of low‑budget local dramas that aired on BBC Wales. By the mid‑2000s, he had risen to associate producer on The Lost Island, a historical drama that earned a nomination at the BAFTA Cymru Awards. He has since become a household name in the industry, largely due to his pioneering use of mixed‑media storytelling—integrating virtual production sets with on‑location shoots in Wales’s rugged landscapes.

Leisure’s most recent project, Echoes of the Clywedog, a documentary series exploring the cultural significance of the Clywedog Valley, has been praised for its intimate portrayal of Welsh heritage. The series was lauded for its innovative use of drones and 360‑degree cinematography, allowing viewers to experience the valley’s dramatic scenery from the perspective of the local residents themselves. According to the Welsh Film Academy’s award citation, Leisure “has consistently pushed the envelope in bringing Welsh stories to a global audience while maintaining authenticity and respect for local culture.”

The Award’s Significance for the Welsh Film Landscape

The Producer of the Year award, presented at the WFTAs, is particularly meaningful because it is voted on by peers—screenwriters, directors, and producers who understand the daily challenges of bringing a film from conception to screen. Don Leisure’s win signals a collective acknowledgment of his strategic vision, especially his role in securing funding from both the Welsh Government’s Film and Television Production Grant and the European Creative Europe programme. His ability to navigate the complex web of public and private funding sources has been cited as a model for emerging producers in the region.

Industry analysts note that the award also shines a light on the new wave of Welsh content that is increasingly being distributed via streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and the recently launched Welsh-language streaming service, CymruStream. In an interview following the ceremony, Leisure said, “We’re no longer confined to a local audience. The technology allows us to bring our stories to a global stage while still honoring our roots.”

Links to Wales’s Growing Creative Ecosystem

The article on AOL’s news site links to several related stories that contextualise Don Leisure’s achievement. One such link directs readers to a feature on the Welsh Film Academy’s initiatives to support emerging talent through mentorship programmes. Another takes a deeper dive into the Cardiff International Film Festival, a venue that has become a launchpad for Welsh productions in recent years. Both pieces highlight how institutions are fostering a pipeline of fresh voices, and they underscore the collaborative environment that has produced a new generation of award‑winning projects.

Further, the article references a 2022 BBC documentary titled The Power of Storytelling, which interviewed Don Leisure about his early days in the industry. The documentary is now widely cited in film school curricula across the UK and showcases how a producer can shape a narrative’s cultural impact. The inclusion of this link offers readers insight into Leisure’s philosophy: “A story is a bridge; a producer is the one who builds the road.”

A Personal Perspective

During his acceptance speech, Don Leisure acknowledged the countless collaborators who had supported his projects. He thanked the Welsh Film Academy for their recognition and the funding bodies that believed in his vision. “This award is not just for me; it’s for the people of Wales who have given me the chance to tell our stories to the world,” he declared. He also pledged to continue championing Welsh talent by establishing a scholarship fund aimed at students studying film production in Cardiff University.

Leisure’s commitment to mentorship is further illustrated by his involvement with the Swansea International Film Festival’s “Future Filmmakers” program. By offering masterclasses, networking events, and access to industry professionals, he is actively shaping the next generation of producers and directors who will continue to elevate Welsh cinema on the global stage.

Looking Ahead

With the 2024 WFTAs behind him, Don Leisure has announced plans for a new series, Northern Lights, a sci‑fi drama set in the Welsh Snowdonia region that will explore themes of climate change and cultural identity. The project is slated for a 2025 release and is already attracting attention from international streaming services.

The news site’s article, while focused on Leisure’s award, offers a panoramic view of the evolving Welsh film industry. By linking to relevant stories and contextual information, it paints a picture of an industry that balances tradition and innovation, local identity with global reach. Don Leisure’s victory is more than an individual triumph; it represents a collective stride forward for Welsh creators, whose stories are increasingly resonating beyond their borders.

As the industry continues to thrive, the success of producers like Don Leisure underscores the importance of community support, strategic funding, and a steadfast commitment to authentic storytelling. With each award, the Welsh film community moves closer to achieving its ambition: to be recognized not just as a regional powerhouse but as a pivotal contributor to the world’s cinematic tapestry.