A Filmmaker’s Guide to Birmingham

Birmingham, known for its industrial heritage and rich cultural history, is quickly becoming one of the UK’s up-and-coming cities for filmmakers. With a mix of historic architecture, modern spaces, and a diverse community, Birmingham offers a unique backdrop for any production. Here’s a comprehensive guide to why Birmingham is an excellent choice for filmmakers, covering its filming locations, festivals, educational resources, and industry opportunities.

Film History and Industry Influence

Birmingham has a longstanding connection to the UK’s media industry, particularly through shows like Peaky Blinders, which, though not entirely filmed in Birmingham, draws heavily on the city’s history and character. This gritty historical series has helped bring attention to the city’s cinematic potential. Birmingham is also home to BBC Birmingham and ITV Central, cementing its role as a hub for broadcast media.

The city’s cultural diversity and industrial history offer filmmakers a variety of narrative possibilities, from period pieces to urban dramas and contemporary stories.

Key Filming Locations

Birmingham is full of striking locations, from historic buildings to scenic parks and modern cityscapes, providing filmmakers with versatile settings.

• The Jewellery Quarter: Known for its historic charm, this area is filled with Victorian architecture, quaint streets, and beautiful facades. It’s perfect for period pieces and was even featured in Peaky Blinders as a stand-in for early 20th-century Birmingham.
• The Custard Factory: This creative hub in Digbeth is a popular spot for filmmakers. With its colourful street art, industrial vibe, and quirky design, it’s ideal for urban settings and music videos. It’s one of Birmingham’s most vibrant cultural spaces.
• Aston Hall: A Jacobean mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, Aston Hall is perfect for period dramas. The historic location has featured in films and offers a touch of grandeur, giving projects a sense of history and elegance.
• The Canals: Birmingham’s canals cover more mileage than those in Venice, offering scenic views, especially around Gas Street Basin. The canals provide a peaceful urban landscape, ideal for atmospheric shots and establishing scenes.
• Victoria Square and the City Centre: Birmingham’s city centre is a blend of historic and modern architecture, with locations like Victoria Square and the iconic Library of Birmingham offering a versatile urban setting.

Film Festivals and Networking Opportunities

Birmingham hosts several annual film festivals, offering filmmakers a chance to network, showcase their work, and connect with audiences.

• •Birmingham Film Festival: This festival celebrates international and local filmmaking, providing a platform for features, shorts, documentaries, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity for emerging filmmakers to have their work screened and reviewed by a wider audience.
• •Flatpack Festival: Known for its innovative approach, Flatpack showcases a variety of visual storytelling forms, from film to animation and art installations. This festival is ideal for filmmakers interested in experimental cinema and unique narratives.
• •SHOUT Festival: A celebration of LGBTQ+ stories, SHOUT Festival screens films that explore diverse identities and perspectives, bringing attention to underrepresented voices. Filmmakers focused on inclusion and representation will find this festival an important part of Birmingham’s film scene.

These festivals are perfect for filmmakers looking to connect with Birmingham’s artistic community and showcase their work in a welcoming environment.

Film Education and Professional Development

Birmingham offers a range of educational resources and development opportunities for emerging filmmakers, combining practical workshops with industry insights to prepare students for successful careers in film. Though not yet established in Birmingham, MetFilm School is considering future expansion to other cities, with Birmingham positioned as a promising location. With a focus on hands-on learning, MetFilm School’s courses in directing, screenwriting, and post-production could bring essential practical education to the city.

The BBC also plays a significant role in training and development through BBC Academy, often hosting workshops at BBC Birmingham. These programs offer valuable experience and training from industry professionals. In addition, ScreenSkills offers training and support through collaborations with local organisations, ensuring aspiring filmmakers have access to industry-standard skills and mentorship.

For those seeking a more grassroots approach, the Birmingham Film & Video Workshop offers various workshops that provide hands-on experience in filmmaking. This local organisation is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to develop practical skills and build connections in the industry, bridging the gap between education and real-world experience.

City Life and Inspiration for Filmmakers

Living in Birmingham provides filmmakers with both inspiration and affordability. Compared to cities like London, Birmingham offers a lower cost of living, allowing filmmakers to focus on their craft without the financial pressures of a larger city.

Birmingham’s diverse community and lively cultural scene provide a rich source of storytelling inspiration. Neighbourhoods like Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter are filled with art galleries, live music venues, and unique street art, bringing creative energy to the city. Filmmakers can draw inspiration from Birmingham’s blend of history and modernity, as well as its multicultural influences.

Insider Tips for Filmmakers

For those looking to film in Birmingham, here are some tips to make the most of the city’s resources:

• Film Birmingham: This regional film office offers support for securing permits and locations, helping to streamline the filming process for both indie and larger productions. Learn more at Film Birmingham.
• Studio Spaces: The Custard Factory offers affordable creative spaces, ideal for indie filmmakers needing a base in Birmingham. It’s also a great place to connect with other creatives and network.
• Crew and Equipment Hire: Local companies like Provision and Media Dog Hire provide equipment rental and crew support, making it easier for filmmakers to access resources without having to travel to London.

With a supportive infrastructure and accessible resources, Birmingham makes filming both practical and efficient for projects of all sizes.

Success Stories

Birmingham has produced and inspired a number of successful filmmakers and productions. Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, hails from Birmingham and has brought the city’s history to life in a series that has captivated audiences worldwide. Other notable filmmakers include Deborah Haywood, known for her film Pin Cushion, and Paddy Considine, who has filmed several projects in the Midlands.

These success stories highlight Birmingham as a city where new voices can thrive, offering a supportive community and a wealth of creative possibilities.

Why Birmingham?

Birmingham offers filmmakers a unique blend of historic and modern locations, a supportive creative community, and accessible resources. With a rich film history and ongoing contributions to the UK’s film industry, the city is an excellent choice for filmmakers seeking a vibrant yet affordable place to base their projects.

Whether you’re working on a period piece, an indie short, or an experimental film, Birmingham provides the tools, talent, and inspiration you need. With its growing reputation as a creative hub, Birmingham is truly a city on the rise in the UK film scene.