Kudos Knight launches bespoke scripted production scheme for the West Midlands
5 June 2024
Training aimed at people from underrepresented backgrounds to be delivered by MAMA Youth in partnership with Birmingham Film Academy
The Kudos Knight, the creative partnership between multi-award-winning writer, director, executive producer and Create Central Champion, Steven Knight, and Banijay UK label, Kudos, is launching an intensive scripted training scheme aimed at anyone over 18 years old from Birmingham and the West Midlands with a passion for scripted content and a desire to pursue a career in television.
Kudos Knight was established in April 2022 with the ambition of creating a thriving scripted pipeline in the West Midlands and growing a skilled local work force. This Town (BBC One and iPlayer) was the first project from the partnership to be filmed in the region, and this scheme marks the first major training investment.
This Town: BBC/Banijay Right/Kudos
The full time four-week scheme, for 12 selected trainees, will be delivered by BAFTA winning MAMA Youth in partnership with BFA (Birmingham Film Academy). It will be located at Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc. Studios and BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy.
MAMA Youth has been training young people from under-represented backgrounds to succeed in the media industry for the past 19 years and this year was recognised with a Special BAFTA Award recognising their impact in the industry. This will be the first training course they have delivered specifically for the West Midlands.
The course will cover a range of key areas in scripted TV production – from basics including casting, location securing, set sourcing, working with talent, as well as working with sound, art, hair and make-up departments and other broader areas. It will culminate in the cohort producing a short film written by Steven Knight, shot in and around Digbeth.
Martin Haines, Joint MD at Kudos, said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering this unique scheme, working alongside MAMA Youth, BFA and BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy, offering invaluable training opportunities for people who are looking to kick-start their careers in scripted television. Birmingham and The West Midlands are a key focus for us and our recent success with BBC One’s This Town is testament to the thriving creative sector in the region.”
Steven Knight, added: “The leap into TV scripted television can seem daunting. It’s our job to show talented people that it’s not a leap in the dark and if you’re good enough there’s a real career to be had. This initiative is for all generations of West Midlanders who have a passion for storytelling.”
Bob Clarke, CEO of MAMA Youth Project, said: "It is still very difficult for young people from under-represented communities to forge a career in television, especially scripted production and it is even harder for those outside of London. The wrap around support required to nurture new talent with challenges is so important and companies creating content cannot do this work on their own. We are continually proud to see how our alumni have benefited from such support and their success in the industry is testament to our long-standing strategic partnerships. The team at MAMA Youth are really excited to work closely with the local community, BFA, BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy and Kudos Knight to extend this BAFTA winning model to Birmingham and West Midlands, giving young people an incredible opportunity."
Upon successful completion, trainees will become MAMA Youth Project Alumni, providing benefits such as six months professional Talent Manager support, industry professional mentoring and exclusive access to apply for jobs with their industry partners.
Application Deadline: Monday 8 July, 11.59pm.