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February 2020

Feb 04
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Applications for Grierson DocLab 2020 are now open! Deadline March 20th

By Training No Comments

Grierson DocLab is a training scheme that helps new entrants thrive in the world of factual and documentary programme-making. The scheme takes place over the course of one year and is made up of a six-day residential training programme, an industry pass to Sheffield Doc/Fest, a Shoot/Edit weekend residential, attending The Grierson Awards in November, a bursary-supported two or four-week placement at a production company, mentoring, networking and one-day training opportunities too.

About the Programme

The residential programme will include:

  • An overview of different documentary genres, their grammar and conventions
  • A look at how you find and develop ideas
  • A look at how broadcast commissioning works
  • Exploring the variety of routes into the industry
  • Practical exercises to hone your pitching skills
  • Discussions about digital platforms, branded content, feature docs, and other ways to develop your career
  • Talks from guest industry speakers including Grierson DocLab alumni about how they have got on since being on the scheme

The scheme is being enhanced this year through two additional three-month placements with a production company, made possible through our new supporter, Netflix.

Netflix’s partnership with Grierson DocLab also extends to the creation of two new trainee specialist residential schemes in editing and production management. More information about these schemes will be available later this year.

Schedule:

  • Selection Day – Tuesday 21 April
  • DocLab Residential – Sunday 10 – Saturday 16 May
  • Sheffield Doc/Fest – Friday 5 – Monday 8 June
  • Shoot/Edit Weekend – Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 July
  • Grierson Awards 2019 – Tuesday 10 November
  • Two or four-week placement – to be arranged on an individual basis and to be completed by Easter 2021.

For the Netflix placements:

  • Three-month placement – to be arranged on an individual basis and be completed by the end of 2021.

Who can apply

The scheme seeks young people who are passionate about factual television, from nature documentaries to reality TV; short-form content to feature docs and everything in between. We are looking for individuals who have ideas about how they can contribute to the industry, and who can offer fresh perspectives that are not currently reflected on-screen or behind the scenes.

The scheme is open to any UK resident aged 18-25. Applicants may be in full time education, but to be eligible must be in their final year of studies. The programme aims to help new entrants become job-ready and able to take up opportunities in the factual programme-making industry. As a result, young people will not be eligible if they have undertaken an industry placement or work experience that lasted more than three months.

We are particularly interested to receive submissions from people who are currently under-represented in the television industry including: women; people with a disability; BAME; people from the LGBTQ community; and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is in line with the positive action provision of the Equality Act 2010.

In return, this prestigious scheme will give successful applicants the support to take that first step towards a successful career in factual programme making. You will be enrolled onto a residential training programme, gain access to networking opportunities with award-winning industry professionals, structured mentoring support, the chance to attend the internationally recognised Sheffield Doc/Fest and a bursary-supported placement with a production company. The Grierson Trust will also provide bespoke ongoing support to help you progress along your chosen career path within the sector.

All expenses associated with participating in Grierson DocLab will be covered by the scheme, from the selection day, both the 6-day residential and the Shoot/Edit weekend which take place in central Birmingham, and an industry delegate pass to Sheffield Doc/Fest plus costs to attend the festival. All placements will be supported by bursaries to help with living costs.

How to apply

Application Criteria and Eligibility Check:

  • You must be aged between 18-25 at the time of applying.
  • You must be a UK resident with the right to live and work in the UK.
  • If you are at college or university, you must be in your final year of study.
  • You must be available to attend the selection day in central Birmingham on Tuesday 21 April 2020.
  • You must commit to the whole of the Grierson DocLab scheme (see schedule below).
  • You must be available for a two or four-week paid industry placement at a time to be agreed.

Before starting your application, please read the detailed criteria for the scheme, what assessors are looking for, the application questions and FAQs. Once you have done so, for a place on this year’s Grierson DocLab, complete the online application and upload your CV and a headshot. The closing date for applications is Friday 20 March 2020, 5pm.

Complete the online application

After Applying

By Wednesday 8 April, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection day held in central Birmingham on Tuesday 21 April. Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday 23 April. All travel expenses and lunch will be covered and for those travelling a great distance, we can provide overnight accommodation the day before the selection day.

If you have any questions or queries not answered on our website, or on the scheme guidance document, please email: training@griersontrust.org.

Have a look at this short film by Daisy Asquith about making your first documentary.

 

Source: griersontrust.org

 

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Feb 04
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Apply for the BFI NETWORK Weekender! Deadline February 24th

By Training No Comments

The The BFI NETWORK’s weekend long talent development programme is back for 2020! The BFI NETWORK Weekender is an initiative designed to to invigorate, challenge, inspire and connect the most dynamic new filmmakers across the UK.

Last year, they invited 22 fantastically talented trans, non-binary and female-identifying filmmakers to spend a weekend in Manchester to explore identity, absorb crucial advice from top industry guests and meet like-minded creatives from all over. You can read more about how it went here: https://network.bfi.org.uk/news-and-features/industry-insights/network-weekender-2019

This year, they’re so excited to bring Weekender to Liverpool and welcome 22 working class writers, directors and producers from all over the UK to come together and expand their skillset in a workshop-style environment.

The film industry has a class problem and can feel closed off and unattainable to those who are working class or come from low income backgrounds. With this year’s Weekender, new filmmakers of this experience and a host of industry guests and creatives will explore the ways in which their work intersects with class and identity.

They’re looking for filmmakers at the start of their careers who are about to take that next step into the industry but may need support in terms of finding their voice as a creative, meeting potential collaborators or furthering their knowledge of how the industry works.

Ripples of change are beginning in the industry, and this programme aims to celebrate the rising voices of marginalised filmmakers while nurturing their talents and helping to guide their future work.

The Weekender will run from 17th – 19th April 2020 and applications are open now.

To apply click here.

Applications will close at midnight on 24th February 2020

If you have any questions about the applications for Weekender or if you’re unsure whether this event is for you and you’d like to have a conversation about the programme please get in touch at bfinetwork@bfi.org.uk and we can discuss your questions over the phone, via email or in person.

 

Source: network.bfi.org.uk

 

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Feb 04
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Apply for Pitch Pot Funding – Film Hub Midlands

By Funding No Comments

Film Hub Midlands want to create opportunities for audiences across the Midlands to engage with the widest range of film and in as many places as possible so their Pitch Pots are here to help.

Pitch Pots are available to help support a risk and try something new. Whether you are new to film exhibition and want to put on your first screening or an established cinema or community screen who wants to trial a new type of programming, they want to help audiences in the Midlands engage with the widest range of film in as many places as possible.

This fund is open to exhibitors throughout the year. It will close once the available funds have been awarded. Film Hub Midlands anticipate awards up to £2,000.

Download the guidelines, and Apply Now (Google Forms).

You must be a member of Film Hub Midlands to receive support, you can register now.

Past Projects

Northampton Film Festival

Northampton Film Festival 2019: Coming of Age is a pilot film festival from social enterprise film company Screen Northants. Including a committee of local young people in charge of coming up with the festival’s theme and format. Find out more

The Big Fast

Victoria Park Productions in collaboration with Birmingham Central Mosque, on Eid in 2018 held screening events headlined by the documentary “The Big Fast”. Capturing a diverse range of Muslims fasting within the Midlands. Find out more

Indie Lincs 2019

Indie-Lincs is a ’boutique’ film festival that champions low and micro budget films, and their filmmakers in Lincoln. Find out more

Read more about supported Pitch Pots

 

Source: filmhubmidlands.org
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Feb 03
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Steven Knight (Writer and Executive Producer) on the set of Peaky Blinders at the Black Country Living Museum

Birmingham’s Peaky Blinders creator to open Film and TV studios in Digbeth

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Work is set to start this year on ‘Brummiewood’ in Digbeth, a multi million pound Birmingham media village comprising of film and TV studios, and space for houses, bars and restaurants. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has revealed his Mercian studios will sit within a new “residential, retail and food and drink neighbourhood” in Digbeth.

In an exclusive interview with BirminghamLive, Steven revealed work is set to start in March 2020 – once contracts have been finalised and signed. The 39 acres earmarked for the media village –  which will be privately funded –  will be “a two minute walk” from the proposed Birmingham Curzon Street HS2 station.

Steven told BirminghamLive: “We’re hoping to make the announcement in March.  I’ve been working with the city council, with Andy Street… We are so close to making this happen. It’s a very ambitious project that will begin as soon as the contracts are signed with the interested parties. Then it’s all systems go.”

Mercian Studios will be a hub of film and television studios and related industries – animation as well as virtual reality.

Steven, who shot to fame after creating Peaky Blinders, was made a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for services to drama, entertainment and the community in Birmingham – the inspiration and setting for the show. The proud Brummie writer and director has always seen Birmingham as playing a big part on the entertainment world stage – he first mooted his plans of a studio near the NEC back in 2016 but attention shifted to a city centre base 18 months ago.

He said: “Studios are usually not slap bang in a city but my plan is to create a community and neighbourhood –  a place where people live and work, as well as hang out. So there will be mixed used space available on the site for housing, restaurants, bars and restaurants.”

“I can’t say the exact location in Digbeth but this is prime real estate. The benefits will come to the city, not just in terms of the image of Birmingham. The film and television industry is one of the most fastest growing industries in the country. The most important thing is that we create jobs for people in the city – and not just technical media roles.

“Although there will be apprenticeships for young people, the great thing about my industry  – is that it employs people across a whole range of disciplines we need electricians,  carpenters, set builders,  the list goes on! We want Brummies to get these jobs.”

Steven will be working with British Film Institute and Birmingham City University to help create apprenticeships.

Opportunities

He said: “The London Film Academy is opening a Birmingham Film Academy – specifically to train people – young and not so young.”

A number of TV and film executives, including from streaming site Netflix which has prioritised the UK for studio space, will be visiting the site in the next few weeks. The 52-year-old said: “Netflix is just one of the big media names interested in a site at the studios. They are also looking at other places in the UK but obviously there are big benefits for having a Birmingham base.”

Included in the plans is a Victorian ‘working’ street which, when not used for filming purposes, will be open to Brummies as a new place to shop and go out. If the plans are approved, it could become the perfect backdrop for one of Steven’s  filming projects  – a series of Charles Dickens novel adaptations for the BBC. Most recently the broadcaster aired Steven’s adapted version of A Christmas Carol.

He said: “All going well I would love to re create a cobbled Victorian street – but with businesses like a Turkish Baths, fish and chips shop,  brewery and gin distillery. A different sort of High Street! But one that can also be used for my BBC filming. The BBC are among the most enthusiastic prospective tenants. They are really keen to be part of Mercian Studios. “

Steven dismisses the idea that the BBC as well as other broadcasters such as Channel 4 have so far chosen to ignore Birmingham’s potential as a filming site for their programming.

He said: “It’s the city’s own fault we have been neglected media wise. We’ve not done anything about it.  We’ve got to make it happen ourselves.”

Now dividing his time between homes in London and Gloucestershire, Steven is pretty much born and bred in Brum – although born in Wiltshire, he returned to his family roots in Small Heath when he was a baby.

From humble beginnings, the Brummie blacksmith’s son is now an A list writer and director. He’s worked with the creme de la creme of Hollywood – including a certain other Steven – Mr Spielberg,  himself no stranger to Brum – having filmed 2018 movie Ready Player One in Digbeth and Jewellery Quarter.

“I worked with Steven on the film The Hundred Foot Journey which starred Helen Mirren. He’s talked to me about what a great city Birmingham is for filming. But to be honest he seemed most impressed by the Indian food here!  I think the curries are the main attraction for him.”

Why Digbeth?

“We’re close to London- where we’re going to be is a two minute walk from the HS2 stop, so easy access to US talent and crew,” he explains, “And more generally Birmingham itself – is a great urban environment for movies, the council are willing to close roads here, the people are not tired of film crews which can happen in places like New Orleans. And there are other locations close by such as the Cotswolds and Stratford upon Avon.

“Potentially I am looking at Mercian as a 2 Phase deal  – with more studio space being built near the NEC later- all going well with the Digbeth site.

“There is a desperate shortage of studio space in the UK and so Birmingham needs to act quickly.  I heard about the Digbeth site in 2018 and we’ve made good progress with plans. And having the Peaky Blinders Festival here last year just confirmed to me what a fantastic area Digbeth is.”

Source: www.birminghammail.co.uk

 

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Feb 03
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Nominees Announced: Royal Television Society (RTS) Student Awards – March 19th

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Congratulations to all of this years Student Awards nominees! Along with the regional awards and craft awards, the second Sir Lenny Henry Award will also be presented.

The winners will be announced at a special ceremony at BBC Birmingham on the evening of Thursday 19th March 2020. Please note, places are limited for this event. Invites have been sent to all nominees via their Tutors.

A list of all nominees can be found below:

 

Animation

 De Montfort University
Paranoia – Katherine Lindhorst, Connor Snape
Staffordshire University
St George and the Dragon – Gus Kearns
Nottingham Trent University
The Squid – George Hampshire

Comedy and Entertainment

University of Derby
Call Me Daddy – Joe Nichols, Matthew Price, Tom Harraway, Rachel Hubbard
Coventry University
Le Roi De La Forest (The King Of The Forest) – Leroy Da Silva
Staffordshire University
Walter the Pomeranian Police Dog – Esme Nancarrow

Drama

University of Wolverhampton
Hideaway – Charles Payne, Samuel Ash and Team
Staffordshire University
One-Eighty – Georgia Taylor
University of Derby
Ruby Vandal – Jack Barrie, Cal Brown, Celine Woodburn, Joshua Timmins

Factual

 Coventry University
A Seed Planted in Iraq – Zynab Sadik
Staffordshire University
Caffeine and Machine – Sam Herdman
Staffordshire University
The People’s Archive – Natalie Argent

News

 University Of Derby
Inked – Alex Bridgewood
University Of Derby
LGBT For Idiots – Jessica Eady
University Of Derby
Pure Minds For Dummies – Joseph Pettit

Short Form

Staffordshire University
Black Bottles – Eyerusalem Lema
Staffordshire University
Night Hopper – Lauren Burnham
Staffordshire University
Story On My Skin – Georgia Taylor

Craft Skills : Camera

 Nottingham Trent University
Imprisoned – Alexis Sarmiento
University Of Derby
Inked – Alex Bridgewood
Staffordshire University
Night Hopper – Lauren Burnham

Craft Skills : Editing

 Coventry University
Le Roi De La Forest (The King Of The Forest) – Leroy Da Silva
Staffordshire University
Night Hopper – Lauren Burnham
Nottingham Trent University
The Squid – George Hampshire

Craft Skills : Sound

De Montfort University
Paranoia – Connor Snape
University of Worcester
Home – Eleanor Mayall
Staffordshire University
Night Hopper – Alice Briers

Craft Skills : Production Design

 University of Lincoln
Ratcatcher – Sam Pinhorne, Molly Babington, Jack Emmens, Dan Petrovsky, Ellen Johnton, Vittorio Toscani, Reece Smith
Staffordshire University
St George and the Dragon – Gus Kearns
University of Lincoln
The Fisherman – Hope Turton, Sophie Harrison-Luscombe, Thomas Lowe, Ashley Newton
Staffordshire University
Black Bottles – Eyerusalem Lema

Craft Skills : Writing

Staffordshire University
One-Eighty – Georgia Taylor
Staffordshire University
Breakwater – George Rawding, Connor Fenton
Coventry University
Le Roi De La Forest (The King Of The Forest) – Leroy Da Silva
Source: rts.org.uk

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Feb 03
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‘Father’s Daze’, filmed in Birmingham and Redditch, premieres February 6th

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A FULL house is expected at the Artrix cinema in Bromsgrove on Thursday, February 6 for the premiere of Father’s Daze, a film produced and directed by BeeBee Films, a Redditch based film production company.

The film is available to watch here: www.vimeo.com/ondemand/fathersdaze

 

Filmed in Birmingham and Redditch

Shot mainly in locations around Redditch and South Birmingham, the film portrays events based on the true story of a single parent father struggling to provide for his children and simultaneously fight off demands for money from the newly set up Child Support Agency which seems unwilling or unable to take his individual circumstances into account.

Starring several up and coming actors from the Birmingham Conservatoire, including Chris Del Manso, the film showcases what can be achieved by harnessing talent in the local area.

Director Brian Becker said: “Producing a feature film is an extremely challenging task and I would really like to thank the many local people who made it possible, in particular those who gave up their time to be extras or help us make everyday venues into film sets.

“Five Redditch residents even opened up their own homes to the film crew. I hope they enjoy seeing the result on the big screen in Bromsgrove.”

A limited number of tickets are still available for the premiere screening. Book yours through www.artrix.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/screening-of-fathers-daze or phone the Artrix Box Office on 01527 577330.

 

Following the screening, the film will be available to watch here: www.vimeo.com/ondemand/fathersdaze

 

Screening Details

Date: Thursday 6th February 2020

Time of Screening : 8.00pm

Running time: 116 minutes

Director: Brian Becker

Starring: Chris Del Manso, Sally Hyde Lomax and Simon Hawkins.

Classification: 12A

 

Source: redditchstandard.co.uk

 

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Feb 03
Love2

Black Country film to highlight the horrors of domestic violence

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THE horror of domestic violence and the importance of tackling it in society will be showcased in a film created by a Black Country charity.

The team at the Saleem Foundation have created a short film, titled ‘The Hidden Scars’ which premiered on January 31st and will be released to the public at the end of February. The film explores the impact of domestic violence on children and how violence operates in a cycle amongst families.

Shaz Saleem, chair of foundation, said the film and the foundation’s work on domestic abuse grew from their earlier campaign to improve mental health in the community.

Feb 03
Love0

Winners announced: EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) 2020

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The winners of the EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) 2020 have been announced at the ceremony hosted by Graham Norton at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on Sunday 2 February 2020

View the list in full

  • Seven BAFTAs for 1917: Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Director, Cinematography, Production Design, Sound and Special Visual Effects
  • Three BAFTAs for Joker: Leading Actor, Casting and Original Score
  • Two BAFTAs for Parasite: Film Not in the English Language and Original Screenplay
  • Renée Zellweger wins Leading Actress for Judy
  • Brad Pitt wins Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
  • Laura Dern wins Supporting Actress for Marriage Story
  • Micheal Ward wins the EE Rising Star Award

London, Sunday 2 February 2020: At the BAFTAs 2020, 1917 won for Best Film, Outstanding British Film, with Sam Mendes receiving the BAFTA for Director and Roger Deakins taking Cinematography. 1917 also won for Production Design, Sound and Special Visual Effects.

Joker won three awards: Joaquin Phoenix won Leading Actor, Shayna Markowitz won the inaugural Casting award, and Hildur Guðnadóttir won Original Score.

Parasite won two awards: Original Screenplay for Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won and Film Not in the English Language.

Leading Actress was won by Renée Zellweger for Judy.

Supporting Actor went to Brad Pitt for Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.

Laura Dern won Supporting Actress for Marriage Story.

For Sama, the epic and intimate journey filmed through five years of uprising in Aleppo, Syria, won Documentary.

Jojo Rabbit won Adapted Screenplay and Le Mans ‘66 took the BAFTA for Editing. Klaus took the award for Animated Film.

Bombshell received the BAFTA for Make Up & Hair, and Little Women won for Costume Design.

Writer/director Mark Jenkin and producers Kate Byers and Linn Waite received the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Bait.

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl) won the British Short Film award, while the BAFTA for British Short Animation was won by Grandad Was a Romantic.

The Special Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema was presented to Andy Serkis. Through his pioneering work in the evolving art of performance capture he has widened the parameters of what it means to be an actor in the 21st century.

The Fellowship, the highest honour the Academy can bestow, was presented to producer Kathleen Kennedy by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, President of BAFTA, and Daisy Ridley and John Boyega.

The EE Rising Star Award, voted for by the public, went to Micheal Ward.

The ceremony, hosted by Graham Norton, was held at London’s Royal Albert Hall and featured performances by Cirque du Soleil and Jessie Buckley.

As part of BAFTA’s year-round programme of learning events and initiatives, 50 of this year’s nominees took part in ‘BAFTA Film: The Sessions’ on Saturday 1 February at The Savoy Hotel. The Sessions saw the nominees discuss their craft in interviews that will be available online on BAFTA Guru soon.

Other year-round film activity includes initiatives such as our new talent activity and scholarships programme, BAFTA Crew, BAFTA Elevate, as well as masterclasses, the David Lean Lecture delivered by a leading film director, and the ‘BAFTA A Life in Pictures’ series.

To access the best creative minds in film, games and TV production, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.

For further information please contact Freuds:

Ebba Blakeborough-Tait / Ebba.Blakeborough-Tait@freuds.com / +44 (0) 203 003 6300

More information for media on the winners results can be found in the Film Press Room

About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For advice and inspiration from the best creative minds in working in film, games and television, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.

 

Source: www.bafta.org

 

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Feb 03
Love0

Outdoor cinema returns to Birmingham Botanical Gardens

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A popular outdoor film event is returning to Birmingham and Coventry this summer two of the region’s most beautiful locations.

Summer Screens is returning to Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Coventry Cathedral ruins – but the films will not be announced for about six weeks when tickets will go on sale.

Among movies that could be shown are Disney big-hitters such as The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, as well as musicals such as Moulin Rouge and the Greatest Showman and newer blockbusters such as Joker and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

These films are listed on the Summer Screens website as being shown this summer – but it has not yet been confirmed which films are being shown at which venues.

All cinema goers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and no children aged under five are allowed.

You can enhance your experience by adding a bean bag or deckchair package to sit on – these come in a prime viewing position plus you get a complimentary drink from the bar, chocolate and popcorn. You can also bring your own blanket or seat if you prefer.

There’ll be plenty of refreshments for film lovers as the Summer Screens bar serving drinks and popcorn will be available. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be on sale, along with hot food.

Source: www.birminghammail.co.uk

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Feb 03
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Ambitious creative studios plan in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter

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A heritage regeneration company has put forward bold plans to revitalise an under-used area of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, with a creative and media centre, complete with commercial studio space, retail and housing.

Post_hoc Developments, which specialises in creative sector projects, has submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council to transform the Key Hill area, off Great Hampton Street, into a 100,000 sq ft creative hub, with film, photography, digital, music and jewellery studios and workspaces, as well as commercial space, shops and homes.

The plans for Key Hill Studios includes the refurbishment of the grade II listed Harry Smith Building on the corner of Key Hill and Hockley Hill – one of the oldest buildings in the Jewellery Quarter, dating back to 1824 – and the grade II listed Gem Buildings, also on Key Hill, which were built in 1913.

Included is a mews of 18 townhouses, plus apartments above shops and studios linked by a series of squares in a traditional format, with new pedestrian routes through the whole site. In addition to Key Hill Studios, the plans also include a new bar/restaurant in the Gem, to be designed as a key meeting and networking base, supported by cafes and useful shops.

Award-winning conservation architect David Mahony, the principal architect on the scheme and co-director at Post_hoc, said: “We wanted the ground floor to be vibrant, which also fits in with the proposed new masterplan for the Jewellery Quarter, so adding shops for independents made sense.”

Key to the development is The Lampworks, a film and creative studio set up by Jewellery Quarter-based Post_hoc and Birmingham Film Festival’s Kevin McDonagh, after they acquired a former factory and two adjoining Victorian houses in Key Hill Drive. They launched the studio in June 2019 and it has already played host to filmmakers, photographers and videomakers, as well as dance companies, musicians and television production companies, some of whom have travelled from Yorkshire and London to use the space.

Chris Barrow, co-director at Post_hoc, said: “We saw the opportunity to add further spaces and resources for creatives, at the same time as regenerating a lost part of the Jewellery Quarter. Consideration is being given to the commercial spaces being owned and managed by a community interest company (CIC), thereby assuring long-term survival.

“This project is very much looking to support smaller, independent companies, producers and artists from the ground up, helping them to realise their projects, as well as working with creative companies that create content for the BBC and other major channels.

“The whole scheme could accommodate up to 150 full time jobs and the proven interest in using The Lampworks, which is only a few minutes’ walk from the tram and railway station, has shown the need for managed studios, so we look forward to adding more flexible spaces and bringing more essential resources.”

As part of Post_hoc’s new plans, The Lampworks will have three fully equipped studios for hire, with the former factory space being split into a 700 sq ft green screen studio with an infinity wall and a 1400 sq ft “shiny floor” TV style studio. These would be available for independent filmmakers, music and fashion video makers, as well as larger production companies, and would complement the already popular “Loft” studio on the first floor.

The development sits alongside the historic Key Hill Cemetery, the burial place of many of prominent Birmingham people from the 19th century, including the politician and statesman Joseph Chamberlain and his brother Richard, and Alfred Bird, the inventor of Bird’s Custard.

If Birmingham City Council planners give the development the go ahead, Chris and David plan to begin refurbishment of the existing historic buildings later this year to provide working studios for hire/rent, with construction of some of the new housing by early 2021.

 

Source: bdaily.co.uk

 

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