From ‘camper to camera trainee
8 November 2023
Sador in action on the set of This Town
Since going on a TV production skills course funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Sador Zerie’s career has catapulted to such an extent that the 24-year-old found himself working behind the camera on This Town – the upcoming drama from Peaky Blinders creator and fellow Brummie Steven Knight.
Sador is one of more than 70,000 people across the West Midlands who have undergone WMCA courses to learn the skills they need to find employment, progress at work or even change careers.
Sador from Quinton, graduated from Birmingham City University with a BA in film making and followed this with freelance music video production, shooting documentaries and some commercial work.
But he then decided to complete the Create Central TV production skills bootcamp, delivered by Solihull College & University Centre and funded by WMCA, in a bid to focus his skills and develop career opportunities.
Following completion of the bootcamp, Sador was offered the opportunity to work as a camera trainee on Steven Knight’s BBC drama, This Town and then on to another show Legacy for Apple TV.
Sador said, “Completing the TV Production bootcamp provided by Create Central, gave me a realistic approach to entering the Film and TV industry and offered opportunities that I would otherwise most likely not be presented with while doing my freelance work. It’s been a really beneficial experience to support my career progression and the training and connections that I have made is second to none.
“One of the great things about the bootcamp is being able to do placements – I got to work on a show for Tiger Aspect/ITVX – Deep Fake Neighbour Wars – which helped me to build up my network and get me noticed by other production companies for my skills.
“I would say to anyone who wants to get into TV/Film production to do things now, build up your networks, develop a good showreel, always say yes to opportunities and never be afraid of failing. I recommend joining a skills bootcamp as it will open-up a world of opportunities.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said, “It’s wonderful news that we’ve been able to put more than 70,000 local people like Sador through WMCA funded skills training programmes in 2023.
“Our programmes have been a real success story - upskilling the West Midlands workforce and raising the profile our educational offer.
“A key part of my mayoral mission is to ensure residents right across our region get the skills they need to succeed - opening up their access to good job opportunities in the months and years ahead."
Cllr George Duggins, WMCA portfolio lead for skills and productivity and leader of Coventry City Council, said, “Hearing Sador’s story about how a bootcamp has helped propel his career is a very positive one which demonstrates how the investment we are making into the West Midlands workforce is having a real impact. Not only does it provide an opportunity to network in the industry but also exposes local people to experiences they may not otherwise have been able to get involved in.”
Ed Shedd, Create Central Chair, said, "Our pioneering skills bootcamps reflect the unwavering dedication of the West Midlands to fostering talent within the creative content industries. With support from the WMCA and training providers like Solihull College and University Centre, Create Central is committed to breaking down barriers for creative individuals from under-represented backgrounds, empowering them to embark on promising careers in this growing sector."
Sophie Jolly, Bootcamp Manager at Solihull College and University Centre, said, “Sador's success demonstrates how the combination of incredible talent and bespoke training on our Bootcamps work together to produce stunning outcomes. Bootcamp training in Production and Skills Development paves the way for new opportunities in the creative world of production.
“Under the expert guidance of industry professionals and with our strong industry connections, we are actively shaping the future of this dynamic field in the West Midlands. It is an exciting place to be!”
This Town is both a high octane thriller and a family saga set in 1981 at a time of huge social tensions and unrest. Against this backdrop, it tells the story of a group of young people fighting to choose their own paths in life, and each in need of the second chance that music offers. It is due to be aired on BBC and BBC iPlayer next year.