Written by Kianna Best on Mar 27, 2023. Posted in Production News

Peaky Blinders creator launches film and TV studio in Birmingham

Stephen Knight, creators of Peaky Blinders, has launched a new multi million pound film and tv studio in Digbeth, Birmingham. Bringing more production activity to Birmingham, the Digbeth Loc studio space will also be used for the upcoming Peaky Blinders film as well as BBC inspired musical drama This Town. With construction expected to be completed by 15 July, the first production at the site is planned to begin filming in October.

“Our plans are ambitious and we will be making TV and movies on an international scale. We are planting an industry in the fertile soil of Birmingham and we need local people to make it happen,” commented Knight.

The development will make use of an old Victorian era buildings which will be transformed into a modern studio complex spanning 80,000 sq ft in the form of three film studios, production offices and construction workshops. In addition to productions such as Banjay UK’s Shine TV produced MasterChef, part of the studio space will be occupied by Birmingham bread reggae band UB40.

Image courtesy of Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council generated an investment of GBP 1.3 million along with landowner Homes England and support from the West Midlands Combined Authority, contributing to the regions GBP 4 billion creative economy. With the expected contribution of GBP 30 million of the studios’ presence in the region, the space will also create 760 local jobs for locals.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, stated: “We are making this investment into Digbeth Loc. Studios because the creative industries are fundamental to Birmingham’s golden decade of opportunity, following the extraordinary triumph of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

“The unveiling of Digbeth Loc is a truly landmark moment,” commented Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands. “Steven Knight - Peaky Blinders creator and proud Brummie - has already done so much to put our region on the map and now these Studios will help to usher in a golden era for our burgeoning creative sector. We want broadcasters and content creators worldwide to know that the West Midlands is very much open for business.”

Knight’s long-term vision for the city alongside business partner TIME+SPACW CEO Piers Read is to create a ‘cultural legacy’ for his home city by welcoming a major multimedia headquarters and professional facilities for large scale productions. As the first of its kind in the community, the studio is being welcomed by locals and industry professionals alike. Comedian Sir Lenny Henry and BAFTA award-winning actress and writer Meera Syal CBE FRSL express their pride for the opening of the space and Knight’s dedication to the area.