Steven Knight says ‘invest in success’ as Peaky Blinders and MasterChef get started in Digbeth
8 October 2024
Digbeth discussion: Neil Rami, Steven Knight, Emma Riley, Tom Wrathmell and Ed Shedd
Part of West Midlands Creativity Week
As part of Creativity Week, West Midlands Growth Company CEO Neil Rami chairs a discussion on the growth of Digbeth Creative Quarter.
Neil is joined by writer, director and Create Central Champion Steven Knight, BBC Director, Across the UK, Tom Wrathmell, Shine TV Production Executive, Emma Riley and Create Central Chair, Ed Shedd, at Digbeth Loc Studios.
Steven announced that this week building work has started on creating the world-famous Garrison Tavern, favourite drinking spot of the Peaky Blinders, in Digbeth for the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie.
Taking this moment to call on the government to invest in success, Steven said “It feels like there is now an understanding that this industry is real - but it needs to be backed and helped.”
This is an exciting time in Digbeth and marks the start of pre-production on MasterChef. Emma Riley revealed that just last week they took possession of the keys to the Banana Warehouse at Digbeth Loc Studios, where MasterChef will start filming in January.
Emma said “Recruitment is now underway for all roles on MasterChef - from runners all the way to senior production. We’re determined to make this a West Midlands production from day one.”
“There is nowhere else in the UK, as far as I know, where a studio is being purpose built for a TV series - it just doesn't happen. This is the gift Digbeth has given to MasterChef.”
BBC Director, Across the UK, Tom Wrathmell talked about the BBC’s commitment to growing the creative cluster, “Digbeth is one of the best examples in the UK of public, private investment with industry, suppliers and local government all working together.”
Chair of Create Central Ed Shedd summed up the discussion “We want the West Midlands to have a creative ecosystem that makes us internationally renowned as the place to create for any storyteller.”
Coming together as part of Creativity Week the panel discussed the benefits and the potential of the Digbeth Creative Quarter and you can watch the full conversation here:
Digbeth Creative Quarter by Method in Motion. Panel discussion by LME Creative.
Digbeth Day highlights
BOXPARK coming to Digbeth
Plans have just been approved by Birmingham City Council for BOXPARK right in the Digbeth Creative Quarter. BOXPARK brings communities together by providing the best street food, drinks and entertainment under one roof.
New show for Spun Gold
BBC One has commissioned Policing Paradise, made by Spun Gold TV (a 53 Degrees Global company), an exciting new series following the real-life team of detectives policing the tropical islands of Bermuda.
Shop Smart, Save Money
Did you know that Channel 5’s Shop Smart, Save Money is filmed at The Bond and on location in Digbeth?
Gaby Roslin & Ortis Deley provide the latest money-saving tips and tricks!