19 November 2012

S4C Chief Executive has paid tribute to producer and director John Hefin following the sad news of his death today (19 November 2012).

John Hefin had been at the heart of the broadcasting industry in Wales since the 1970s and played a key part in many ground-breaking productions in both Welsh and English.

One of his greatest contributions was as co-founder of the popular drama series Pobol y Cwm in 1974.

Ian Jones, S4C’s Chief Executive recently presented the Cyfrwng 2012 award to John Hefin at Swansea University for his contribution to the Welsh film and television industry.

S4C Chief Executive, Ian Jones said, “We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of the inspirational producer and director John Hefin. His death will be a huge loss as he was instrumental in so many television productions in both Welsh and English; television that has inspired and entertained viewers for decades.

“The greatest tribute to John Hefin is that the drama series he founded with playwright Gwenlyn Parry, Pobol y Cwm, remains a cornerstone of the Channel’s schedule 38 years later. He was a key player in a variety of groundbreaking films, drama and documentary series and an inspiration to a generation of people in the creative media industry. We at S4C would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

John Hefin received an MBE and the 2012 BAFTA Wales special award for his contribution to media.

His contributions as a producer and director included a key role in productions such as Penyberth, Un Nos Ola Leuad and Cartrefi Cefn Gwlad Cymru in the Welsh language and Bus to Bosworth, Life and Times of David Lloyd George and Grand Slam in the English language.

He was chairman of the Film Commission Wales and the Celtic Media Festival and a Fellow at Aberystwyth University and the Royal College of Music and Drama, Cardiff.

Heno and Newyddion will pay tribute to John Hefin on their programmes tonight.

Ends