The region’s film-friendly profile has grown hugely in recent years

The West Midlands’ film-friendly profile is set to be raised further with the launch of a new, dedicated film office to support the growth of production in the region.

Production Central WM aims to support film, TV and digital content production, following on from the BBC’s biggest expansion in the region for over a decade. It is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and delivered by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC).

Partnered with Create Central and endorsed by West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, Production Central WM will be managed at WMGC by Martin Simms. It is anticipated that the new film production office will increase regional GVA by £100-200 million over the next five years, and provide a boost to employment of 100-200 jobs per production and 1,000-2,000 long-term posts. 

West Midlands Mayor Parker said: “We have the talent, the locations and a list of credits that ranges from classics like Crossroads to the cultural phenomenon that is Peaky Blinders. And there is much more to come with the rebirth of children’s favourite Bagpuss and a new beginning for MasterChef.

“Our dedicated production office will attract filmmakers and TV executives from all over the world by making it even easier to get their cameras rolling. 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 of Production Central WM follows the announcement by the BBC that it has signed a second memorandum of understanding with the WMCA and Create Central to further support creative growth in the region.

Birmingham-born Steven Knight, long-time champion of the area as a first-class production hub, added: “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. And it costs less than most other places.  

“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.”

The region has also been awarded £25 million as part of the Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund to help grow the already booming creative industries, extending beyond film and TV, and into video games, createch, music and performing arts and design.