Uncategorized

A Lichfield expert is featuring in a new campaign raising awareness of the harms children can be exposed to in modern society. The ParentWise initiative will feature a short film starring young actors from across the Midlands. It aims to help parents and carers spot signs that things may be wrong with young people and the steps they can take to address any issues.

The film also features experts, including Lichfield-based child psychologist Dr Louise Earley. She said: “Supporting your child to navigate growing up and taking steps to greater independence can be a challenging time for many parents and carers. While it’s normal to have concerns around sudden changes of behaviour, the ParentWise platform details a helpful guide on how to spot signs that could mean your child is facing an issue. “The hub also contains practical advice and links to relevant charities on how to start and manage conversations about delicate topics, so I urge all parents to have a look at the support available.”

The film is designed to signpost parents and carers to www.gov.uk/parentwise, where they can find links to help and support, as well as advice on what to do when noting a change in a child’s behaviour.

Safeguarding Minister Rachel Maclean said: “It is vital that parents know where to turn if they think that their child is at risk. “I am pleased the West Midlands has been chosen to pilot this new resource, which I hope will be the blueprint for bringing together support and advice for parents and carers right across the country.”

Source: lichfieldlive.co.uk

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

The highly-anticipated Season 6 premiere of period gangster epic Peaky Blinders was watched by 3.8 million viewers in the UK on Sunday, according to overnight figures. That makes it the biggest launch for the Shelby clan ever, coming in above the Season 5 debut’s 3.7 million overnight average. It also ties the series record previously set by the Season 5 finale in September 2019. The market share was 21.8% on Sunday with a peak of 4.1 million viewers. The episode faced strong competition from the season finale of ITV drama Trigger Point which ended up winning the 9pm slot.

Airing on the UK’s BBC One, ahead of the global Netflix release which is as-yet undated, the first episode of Peaky’s sixth and final season was dedicated to the memory of Helen McCrory who passed away last year after a battle with cancer. The episode also revealed how creator Steven Knight, director Anthony Byrne and the producers handled the fate of McCrory’s Aunt Polly — a key figure in the Shelby family.

Season 6 is the last run of the Cillian Murphy-led drama in series form. However, Knight confirmed to us over the weekend that a movie is definitely going to happen with the same players.

In Season 6, Murphy’s Tommy Shelby will square off with various foes, but the most formidable enemy he has is himself. Also returning are Tom Hardy, Paul Anderson, Finn Cole, Anya Taylor-Joy, Natasha O’Keeffe and Sophie Rundle, among others. Stephen Graham and James Frecheville will also appear.

Peaky Blinders began airing on BBC Two in 2013 and went on to win the BAFTA for Best Drama in its fourth season. It then moved to BBC One in 2019 and has continued to grow its rabid fanbase. Executive producers are Caryn Mandabach, Steven Knight, Jamie Glazebrook, David Mason, Anthony Byrne and Cillian Murphy.

Source: www.deadline.com

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Netflix has partnered with Creative U.K. to launch a program for U.K. filmmakers working on their debut feature. Titled Breakout, the program will fund the films’ development, with the primary criteria being that they are high quality, genre-based and British.

“Breakout will give new U.K. based filmmakers the opportunity to take popular genres audiences love, from sci-fi, to thriller and horror, to comedy and romance, and reinterpret them through a distinctively British lens,” is how the program is being described. It is driven, according to Netflix and Creative U.K., “by the principle that daring, ambitious filmmaking can drive commercial as well as critical success and can emerge from all backgrounds.”

Participants will be made up of six teams, each of which will receive £30,000 ($40,000) worth of development funding in addition to a Creative U.K. training program comprised of mentoring and residential lab events. Netflix executives will also provide support and input.

At least one filmmaker will emerge from the program with a greenlight from Netflix and a £1.5 million ($2 million) budget to make a genre film (whether a mystery and crime thriller, bold and original horror, comedy and rom-com or young adult and family adventure) which will later receive a global launch on the streaming platform.

The program is open to creative teams who haven’t yet made a feature but who are garnering industry and/or public recognition for their work.

In particular, participants should be “bold, distinctive genre storytellers” who have some experience in an industry such as theatre, TV, video gaming, online content, commercials, graphic novels, music promos or short films.

Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Supporters of Netflix Program ‘Breakout’

“We know there are so many brilliant emerging genre voices in the U.K. with bold, ambitious stories to tell who lack the funding to reach their audience,” said Hannah Perks, content acquisitions for Netflix U.K. “We’re committed through our U.K. features initiative to creating a talent pipeline for Netflix and the wider industry to elevate and develop the widest range of voices. We can’t wait to introduce exciting new U.K. talent to our members all around the globe.”

Paul Ashton, head of film and TV at Creative U.K. added: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, and from our very first conversation it was clear that Netflix shared our desire to offer career-changing opportunities to film talent in the U.K. Having backed films at Creative U.K. which have realised their best life with Netflix, such as ‘Calibre’ and ‘The Ritual,’ we know how important Breakout will be. By giving filmmakers the opportunity to advance projects across a range of genres, we’re enabling them not just to make great films for an audience – but also to lay strong foundations in their relationship with Netflix in the U.K.”

Applications open on Feb. 23. For more information go to WeAreCreative.uk

Source: variety.com

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

The BBC and MasterChef producer, Shine TV, (part of Banijay UK), have agreed a multi-series deal, which sees the production move out of London for the first time since 2001 and to Birmingham.

As part of the BBC’s Across the UK plans, all MasterChef series will be made at the new Digbeth Loc. Studios complex in the Digbeth area of Birmingham from 2024 – which includes: BBC One’s MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Celebrity MasterChef and the recently announced Young MasterChef (WT) for BBC Three, as well as any festive editions.

Tim Davie, BBC director-general, said: “We said we would create jobs and investment, bringing decision-making and productions to the West Midlands as part of our Across the UK plans. Moving one of our biggest programme brands shows we are making that a reality. This is great news for Birmingham and the BBC.” Kate Phillips, director of BBC Entertainment, said: “MasterChef is one of the BBC’s biggest Entertainment shows and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to the brand and the city of Birmingham. It’s an exciting new chapter and its move to one of the UK’s youngest and most diverse cities will provide many opportunities in the area to support an already thriving production sector.”

MasterChef has consistently been the BBC’s highest rating cookery format over the past five years and the latest series had its highest rating launch since 2017. Celebrity MasterChef is the BBC’s second highest rating cookery show after MasterChef, while the most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals, (which moved from BBC Two to BBC One in 2020), saw a record-breaking performance.

Lucinda Hicks, CEO Banijay UK says: “We are delighted to be taking our incredible production to Birmingham. Not only is it one of the most creatively exciting and culinary diverse regions in country, but it is also on the cusp of being a major TV production centre again. Having a multi-series, returning show like MasterChef made in the Midlands will provide a multitude of local roles, training and development opportunities, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the TV industry of the future.”

Jon Swain, managing director, Shine TV said: “MasterChef is a phenomenal brand which just goes from strength to strength – testament to the production team led by David Ambler and Katie Attwood who continue to create a series that is so loved by viewers. Birmingham is a fantastic city with a great food scene. Moving production to the heart of one of the country’s youngest and most diverse cities, will allow us to further invigorate the programmes and showcase even more exciting new culinary stars from every corner of the UK.”

Steven Knight, Digbeth Loc. added: “I am genuinely thrilled that MasterChef is coming to Birmingham and honoured that Shine TV has chosen to locate such an iconic production at Digbeth Loc. We will work hard to ensure that this internationally renowned TV institution instantly feels at home in our creative environment, and we look forward to welcoming many more blue chip brands into our rapidly expanding media neighbourhood.”

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, says: “Working with the BBC’s Director General Tim Davie we have secured a significant new commitment to the region, which includes production of prime-time shows and relocation of BBC departments.

“Today’s announcement of this iconic international brand coming to the West Midlands is a real vote of confidence, and the first major step of this new renewed commitment to the region by the BBC. It is also a real statement of intent by the West Midlands as we begin to turbo-charge our creative sector, and one that will help drive opportunities and jobs for local talent.”

Ed Shedd, chair of Create Central, says: “The MasterChef family of programmes coming to the West Midlands is wonderful news. Create Central’s new long-term partnership with the BBC is all about attracting high-profile productions and investment to the region. This is just the start of the BBC’s investment in the region which generates a wider creative evolution, with the licence fee acting as venture capital for our local creative economy.”

Source: www.thebusinessdesk.com

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

BFI Film Academy is pleased to invite you to the premiere of “Nearly Departed”,  a short film written and produced by 20 students from the Birmingham BFI Film Academy during their hothouse course in Oct/Nov 2021.  Despite COVID restrictions everyone rose to the challenge to make it happen and also gain an Arts Award too!

This will take place on Saturday 12th February 11.30-12.30 at Midlands Arts Centre Cinema. Family, friends and VIP guests are all welcome to celebrate the achievements of this talented 2021 BFI Academy Crew who worked with Nerina Villa (Speak of Devil TV), Daniel Alexander Films, Michael Clifford and Scarlett Kefford.

The programme will include :
– premiere of film “Nearly Departed” & Behind The Scenes
– student awards
– a selection of shorts as part of Adventures in Film project using archive film (in partnership with MediaActive)
– refreshments will be served afterwards

Please note there are parking charges for the carpark at Cannon Hill park  – see https://macbirmingham.co.uk/visit
RSVP by 9th Feb to reserve your tickets janette@thecompanyltd.co.uk

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Creative Cities Convention 2022 will be in BIRMINGHAM on 28-29 April 2022!

This Convention is a place for gaining insights, sharing views and helping to shape the future of screen production and distribution outside London – and with Digbeth’s new Creative Content Hub, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Mercian Studios, and a wealth of tech and innovation projects all blossoming in the very heart of the UK.

Ed Shedd, Create Central Chair, said “This is great news, with Birmingham holding the title of the city with the youngest population in Europe and the West Midlands as the most diverse region outside of London, we’re already home to the audiences of the future. Birmingham and the wider West Midlands creative content sector has really responded to the opportunities emerging from a rapidly changing media landscape – this is a great time to be showcasing our vision, our responsive approach and our talent for the Creative Cities Convention 2022 audience – and to be welcoming other screen sector people from right across the UK.”

Created to provide a meeting place for media people working outside the M25, the Creative Cities Convention became instantly popular when it launched in 2018 with joint funding from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and the producers’ trade body Pact.

Founding director Ruth Pitt says: “Despite the horrors of lockdown, the pandemic has been a catalyst for positive change for anyone making content outside London, not just because zooming cuts train journeys but because it also levels the playing field creatively and has accelerated the devolution of production outside London. But people desperately need to connect with one another in person now and it’s fantastic that the Creative Cities Convention can provide that face-to-face platform in Birmingham, where amazing screen industry development is happening. We’re grateful to Create Central, who are helping make this event happen.”

The conference team is already lining up some terrific high-level speakers and this year there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the impact of digital acceleration, gaming, skills development and the support that’s available for people who want to build their businesses outside London.

Find out more about the Creative Cities Convention on the website.

Source: www.createcentraluk.com

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

The Creative Coalition Festival returns for 2022, bringing together the UK’s finest creators, innovators, leaders and emerging talent to reimagine, redefine and reignite the future of our world-leading creative industries.

Creative UK presents the largest festival for the UK creative sector with a three-day programme of diverse events presented online from 1-3 February 2022, bringing the creative industries together like never before.

What is the Creative Coalition Festival?

Creative Coalition Festival 2022 is a unique blend of inspiring talks and panels, live performances, practical workshops and networking opportunities – all streamed from across the UK, directly to our audience at home. A key moment in the creative industries calendar, this is our opportunity to come together as one to shape our collective future.

With real cross-sector networking using virtual venue software Hopin, this festival offers opportunities to expand your network and meet new people across the country, with multiple interactive areas that are optimised for connection and collaboration.

This is a celebration of our achievements as an industry, creating an inclusive open forum to address the issues facing and discuss how we can drive real change for the future of our sector.

Three Days of Events

Hosted by broadcaster Swarzy, Day One explores how to REIMAGINE the creative sector, with sessions including Cultural Change Starts with Us, an exploration into why institutions need to first look within to create impact and change across the Creative Industries and returning for the second time, our A Case for Creativity session will see leading creatives argue the crucial role of creativity as a tool for tomorrow’s discoveries, innovations, and experiments.

Day Two looks at ways to REDEFINE the Creative Industries. Rethinking the Economy examines how to we might work towards a fairer and more prosperous world and The Class Debate asks why working class people are underrepresented in the creative sector workforce and why this matters. Improving working conditions for creatives is an important theme for Day Two with Freelance Champions questioning how the sector can protect and support its vital freelance workers and Breaking Down Barriers interrogating the reality currently facing disabled artists and creative workers.

To close the festival on Day Three, sessions focus on a mission to Reignite the future of creativity. During Designing a Greener Future, speakers discuss how creativity and storytelling have the power to influence change and protect our planet. Continuing the theme of using culture and creativity to influence, inspire and enable environmental action, Our Biome, Our Future / One and All will streamed live from the Rainforest Biome at the Eden Project, Cornwall.

View the full programme here.

To Register

Register for the Festival here.

4Stories, the new-talent scheme, designed to bring on and help establish the next generation of writers and directors, is back.

About 4Stories

The scheme is aimed at finding genuinely diverse voices, exploring contemporary stories of and by communities that are rarely seen on mainstream television. 4Stories encourages applications from talent currently under-represented in TV Drama – including women, disabled talent, ethnically diverse talent, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. They want to hear from emerging UK writing and directing talent who bring a distinct and alternative view of modern Britain.

Initially 4Stories is looking for six writers who will be commissioned to write a treatment for an original half hour idea that can form part of an ambitious anthology series. Of those six, three will then be commissioned to write scripts for production. They will be tutored by and work with experienced drama producers at BlackLight Television to develop and showcase their unique voice.

4Stories is also looking for three new exciting directors to direct the final scripts. The series will be broadcast on Channel 4.

At the end of the process the three chosen writers will also have the opportunity to develop an original series, serial or single with BlackLight Television and Channel 4.

Directors will learn how to hone their skills and deliver their vision under the guidance of experienced drama professionals, kick-starting their careers directing drama for television. This is a unique opportunity for emerging writers and directors to make an authored TV drama with a guaranteed network broadcast.

Commissioned by Channel 4 from BlackLight Television, and supported by Directors UK, the aim is to create an eye-catching, original and bold anthology. Pre-production is set for the summer of 2022.

Find out more and apply here.

Source: www.blacklighttv.co.uk

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Netflix and Stage 32 have partnered on an exclusive global education series in an effort to democratize the worldwide entertainment industry. Together, over the course of 5 webcasts Stage 32’s world class educators will bring their knowledge of what it takes to write, develop and produce today’s television for the Stage 32 and Netflix creator community.

In their second webinar in series, you will learn how you can effectively write your story to budget.

More television than ever is being made and consumed. With streamers like Netflix looking for new, exciting, original stories from all over the world to produce, you have to put yourself in the best position to make sure your story stands out. But, the truth is that an intriguing story in today’s marketplace is not enough. You have to look at the practicalities of making your story into a television series, and with that, you have to think about how what you write will affect the budget. Getting a clear understanding of how to think about budget when you are writing will help give you the competitive advantage you need to get you closer to your greenlight.

To help you is Jeanette B. Milio, a producer who has worked on over 500 hours of film and television content in the US, Europe, Dubai and South Africa. She produced the Netflix Original THE EXPERIMENT starring Adrian Brody and Forrest Whittaker and has worked with ABC/Disney, USA, Showtime, TLC, CW, Discovery, Lionsgate, Paramount and more. She has also consulted for the international co-production department of Warner Bros. in the U.S. and Germany, which was focused on producing local feature content in Europe.

Webinar Outline: How to Write a TV Series

In this exclusive Stage 32 + Netflix webinar, Jeanette will go in-depth on how to think about your characters, locations and scenes when you are writing to give your script the best chance of being produced. She will go over how decisions you make at the script stage have a trickledown effect that affect an entire production and how you, as a writer, can be a valuable member of the team by thinking about these things as you are writing your story. She will break down writing exercises you can use to apply to your characters and locations and give you handouts that you can use to apply to your own script.

You will walk away with a clearer understanding of how you can give your story a competitive advantage by thinking through characters, locations and scenes as you are writing.

Some examples will be used from notable TV shows on network, cable, and streaming platforms including:

• ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING
• SQUID GAME
• MADMEN
• THE BOYS
• EUPHORIA
• QUEEN’S GAMBIT
• SUPERSTORE

Plus you will receive a Character Trait Breakdown sheet an a Location Sheet to help you analyze your own script.

Registration Details

Monday, Jan 24TH 10 – 12PM PST (6AM GMT)

Register for free here.

Note: You will receive the Zoom link to login by the morning of the webinar.