Can Birmingham reclaim its glory and become the new Hollywood of Britain?
In a bold move, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has set his sights on transforming Birmingham into a global hub for television and film production. Speaking at the launch of his new studio, Digbeth Loc Studios, Knight declared, "We're bringing Hollywood to Birmingham, and we're going to revolutionize TV, not just British TV."
This vision is gaining momentum as the BBC announced a significant increase in investment in the region. Flagship shows are being moved to Birmingham, and new dramas are being commissioned, solidifying the city's position as a potential production powerhouse.
Birmingham has a rich history in television, with groundbreaking shows and innovative storytelling. From the social commentary of Play for Today to the beloved entertainment shows like Bullseye and Spitting Image, Birmingham was a hub of creativity.
Millions tuned in to watch Crossroads and Pebble Mill At One, with Midlands Today presenter Nick Owen describing the BBC studios as an "absolute hub of activity."
David Baldwin, programmer of the Square Eyes TV Festival, believes Birmingham should embrace and celebrate its legacy. He highlights the support given to dramatists like Mike Leigh and David Hare by the BBC drama department, headed by the protective producer David Rose.
"We should be proud of our city's achievements," Baldwin said. "Birmingham has an incredible television heritage."
The festival will showcase a mix of TV rarities, classic series, and a celebration of the city's archive, with comedian Christopher Beanland describing it as a "love letter" to regional television.
Beanland, joined by local comics Nathan Cassidy and Sam Nicoresti, will share memories of growing up with Midlands television. He believes Birmingham is "weird, funny, and interesting," and has even researched his novel set in the city by exploring local archive clips.
But it's not just about looking back; there's a resurgence in the local industry. Beanland praises Knight and comedian Joe Lycett for bringing more productions to Birmingham, highlighting the documentary This Town, which celebrates the Two-Tone scene in Coventry.
Knight's ambition is clear: he wants Birmingham to be a global destination for filmmakers. "I want Birmingham to be an option for creators worldwide," he said. With a Peaky Blinders film in production and new series announced, Knight is committed to rebuilding the TV industry in the Midlands.
A new facility, Production Central WM, has the potential to surpass Salford's Media City, according to the West Midlands Mayor. Knight believes it's time to revive the region's glory days, stating, "Some of the best programs across entertainment and drama were made here. We can do it again."
The Square Eyes TV Festival, running from November 7th to 16th at Midlands Arts Centre, will celebrate Birmingham's television heritage.
Can Birmingham reclaim its TV crown and become Britain's Hollywood? The future looks promising, but what do you think? Is Birmingham ready for this bold vision? Let's discuss in the comments!
