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Since graduating in 2021 with a BA in Filmmaking from UWTSD, James Owen has built a thriving bilingual video production company, , in his hometown of Llanelli. Now recognised as one of the region’s most exciting creative entrepreneurs, James is not only growing his business, he’s also investing in the next generation of Welsh talent by hiring fellow UWTSD graduate Joseph Morris.

Joseph, a graduate of UWTSD’s BA Adventure Filmmaking course, has officially joined the company as Creative Lead after freelancing with James for over six months. The appointment marks a new chapter for Stori Cymru, as the team expands its services and strengthens its creative capacity.

“Joe isn’t a stranger to Stori Cymru,” said James. “I was referred to him by my former lecturers when I began looking to grow the team, and he’s been a brilliant addition. With the business growing, I knew it was time to delegate more of the creative output, and Joe is stepping into that role.”

Joe’s responsibilities include leading the creative side of the company’s client work – particularly video production – and expanding into photography using the studio space at their Llanelli base.

“My official title is Creative Lead – and that’s exactly what I enjoy most: being creative,” said Joe. “From organising product photos and studio portraiture to filming in all kinds of locations with different people, the work is always changing and exciting. There’s so much room to grow and learn, and I’m very thankful to James and Stori Cymru – it’s a great company to work for.”

For Joe, joining Stori Cymru wasn’t just about finding the right job – it was about staying rooted in the community and language that shaped him.

“Well, quite simply it’s in the name – stories and Cymru are both important to me,” he said. “I feel very blessed to be able to get work so close to home. People often say you need to move to Cardiff for opportunities in video and photography, but that’s just not true. Cymru is full of local stories, interesting people and beautiful scenery – it’s a privilege to be able to capture them.”

Joe credits his time at UWTSD for preparing him with both technical skills and creative confidence.

“Adventure Filmmaking was a brilliant course,” he said. “My lecturers were endlessly helpful and their guidance really helped me orient myself after finishing university. They are incredibly student-focused with a wealth of knowledge. They’re also strong advocates for art, authenticity, and Wales’s creative potential. That was a big part of why I wanted to stay and work local.”

James also sees Joe’s appointment as a reflection of the company’s deeper values. “Employing a Welsh-speaking filmmaking graduate from Llanelli ticks all the boxes,” he said. “It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how important it is to invest in local talent with a real passion for the industry. The Welsh language is central to Stori Cymru’s identity, and having Joe on board means we can keep delivering meaningful, bilingual storytelling without compromise.”

The company’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Stori Cymru won Creative & Digital Business of the Year at the Carmarthenshire Business Awards for its innovation and high-quality digital services. This year, the business returned as a sponsor, cementing its place as a local creative force.

Brett Aggersberg, Senior Lecturer in Film and Media at UWTSD, said:

“I’m incredibly proud of everything James has achieved. He’s built one of the most respected production companies in Wales, offering a bespoke, bilingual service to clients. His recent appointment of Joseph is a testament to the strength of our creative courses and the opportunities they open up. 

“Joseph brings a fresh perspective and strong technical skills from our Adventure Filmmaking course, and together, they’re a brilliant example of the demand for Welsh-speaking creatives in the region.”

James remains closely connected to the university, regularly returning to speak with students and share his professional journey. This October, he’ll be taking part in an Employer and Networking Event at the Student Union in Carmarthen on the 23rd, offering current students the chance to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into creative career paths.

With a growing team, a deep connection to his community, and a bold creative vision, James is helping shape a vibrant future for Welsh storytelling – one story at a time.

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996