Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, has issued a bold two-word challenge to filmmakers worldwide: 'Try us'. This comes as the West Midlands launches a major new production office designed to transform the region into a filming powerhouse.
A New Era for West Midlands Filming
The newly established Production Central WM will serve as a comprehensive support hub for film, television and digital content creation across the region. Based in Birmingham, the office aims to connect industry professionals with local locations, facilities and talent while ensuring more productions choose the West Midlands as their filming destination.
Funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and delivered by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), the initiative represents a significant investment in the region's creative future. Martin Simms, who brings over twenty years of film and TV experience, will manage the new office.
Knight's Compelling Pitch to Producers
Steven Knight passionately outlined why the West Midlands presents an unparalleled filming opportunity. 'The West Midlands is old, new, green field, brown field, urban, rural, posh, poor, 16th century to 21st century, high rise, high end, low end, back to backs, chimney stacks and babbling brooks...most of which have never been shot,' he declared.
He emphasised the region's cost-effectiveness compared to other locations and highlighted the new office's capabilities: 'If you want to shoot here, we now have a brand new, super-fit for purpose film production office which matches the region's ambitions. It's called Production Central WM and whatever location you want we can find it within an hour's drive of New Street station. Try us.'
Economic Impact and Regional Growth
The new film production office is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits, including:
- £100-200 million increase in regional GVA over the next five years
- 100-200 jobs created per production
- 1,000-2,000 long-term positions established in the creative sector
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, celebrated the region's storytelling heritage: 'From Shakespeare to Steven Knight, great storytelling starts in the West Midlands. The new Production Central office will build on the region's celebrated legacy of world-class writing and creativity by becoming the natural home for inspiring, original content.'
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker added that the facility would help retain local talent: 'We're creating the opportunities aspiring writers, directors, actors, and crews need so they don't have to leave home to chase their dreams and can build amazing creative careers right here in the West Midlands.'
The launch follows significant developments for the region's creative sector, including a second memorandum of understanding between the BBC, WMCA and Create Central, plus a £25 million award from the Government's Creative Places Growth Fund.
