What began as a small creative studio in Cardiff has evolved into an internationally recognised business, crafting models and characters for some of the world's largest theme parks and film premieres. Wild Creations, founded by Matt Wild in 2010, marks fifteen years of remarkable growth, transforming from a local operation into a global player in the experiential design industry.
The Spark of Fame: Cardiff Castle's Ball in the Wall
The company's big break arrived in 2015 with the creation of the now-iconic Ball in the Wall at Cardiff Castle. Commissioned for the Rugby World Cup, the giant rugby ball embedded in the castle's ancient stonework captured global attention. Matt Wild recalls this as his "15 minutes of fame," with media appearances and international recognition, including a photo of the installation appearing as far away as Africa.
"We put significant effort into the engineering and realism," Wild explained. "It wasn't just a sculpture; it looked like a rugby ball had genuinely crashed into the wall. That commitment to going the extra mile defines our company's approach." This project proved to be the catalyst, propelling Wild Creations from a promising local business onto a much larger stage.
Scaling Up: From T-Rexes to Theme Park Giants
In the decade following their Cardiff Castle success, Wild Creations experienced explosive growth. The company now operates from a 22,000-square-foot workshop in Cardiff, employs 50 full-time staff plus freelancers, and boasts a turnover 15 times greater than in its early days.
The firm's portfolio now includes major projects for industry titans like Universal, Merlin, and Sony. A career highlight came in 2018 when the team was tasked with designing and building four life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex models for the global launch of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. These impressive sculptures toured London, Paris, Dusseldorf, and the film's premiere in Los Angeles.
Creative director Samantha Wild, who joined the company in 2011, described sculpting the full-sized T-Rex as a "dream come true and a career highlight." The company has since specialised in theme park and resort work, creating characters for attractions based on properties like Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs for Dubai Parks and Resorts.
A Sustainable Future in a Global Industry
Matt Wild identified the theme park sector as a key growth market, especially post-Covid. "The industry provides consistent demand," he noted. "Contracts now range from six months to three or four years, which offers business stability and allows for planned growth, unlike the project-to-project uncertainty of the past."
While most clients are international, a potential "game-changer" for the UK industry is on the horizon: Universal's planned theme park in Bedford, England. Wild believes this development will elevate standards and create a new industry ecosystem within the UK.
The success story is also a personal one. Matt met his now-wife, Samantha, through the business. The couple married in 2019 and are parents to five-year-old twin sons, Alfie and Jackson, who already show a keen interest in their parents' work, especially when it involves characters from favourites like The Gruffalo.
Reflecting on the journey, Matt attributes the firm's achievements to his team. "At our core, it is about the people," he stated. "Our work is still very handmade and crafted. Everyone who walks through the door in the morning contributes to this success." From a Cardiff warehouse to the world's most famous parks, Wild Creations continues to build its legacy, one spectacular creation at a time.
