The company will also run Class 5 Crew, to discover and support working-class creative talent

Producer Nickie Sault has launched a new film and TV production company, aiming to nurture new and established talent.

Sheffield-based Class 5 will provide a space for emerging and established storyteller, with an emphasis on supporting disadvantaged adults of all ages. Sault – the daughter of a miner from Barnsley – started out in the industry as a runner 25 years ago, and has for many years collaborated with director Shane Meadows; the pair first worked together on This Is England in 2005. Sault’s other high-profile credits include The Gallows Pole, The Outlaws, The Virtues, and World on Fire.

Currently on Class 5’s slate is Rare Singles, the first feature screenplay from author Ben Myers, in association with Warner Music Entertainment. Based on his novel, the story is set in Scarborough and Chicago with themes of unlikely friendships, soul music and second chances.

Next year will also see the launch of Class 5 Crew, a non-profit organisation to discover and nurture the next generation of working-class creative talent.

Sault said: “I believe that film and television has the power to drive societal change, and I take that responsibility seriously. When people spend their hard-earned money to see a film or commit hours of their life to watching something on television, we, as creators, need to earn that privilege by making sure that what we put out into the world is meaningful.

“Class 5 strives for the best experience both on and off screen. At Class 5, every collaborator regardless of rank or role, is welcomed into a safe environment where their voice is encouraged and valued. I am thrilled to be continuing my collaboration with the incredible Ben Myers, and honoured that I get to work alongside Warner Music Entertainment in co-producing Ben’s very first feature film adaptation, Rare Singles.”

Myers added: “It’s a great honour to be part of the launch of Class 5. Nickie Sault has had a huge hand in making some of the most original and powerful drama in recent years and has been directly involved in the development of Rare Singles since it was a half-written novel. Working together under the wise guidance of Ally Gipps at Warners, I couldn’t hope for a better entry into the screenwriting world.”