Peaky Blinders creator launches film and TV studio in Birmingham

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

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.

Bristol’s The Bottle Yard to welcome new Disney+ series rivals

Written by Kianna Best on Mar 24, 2023. Posted in Production News

The casting for Disney+ much anticipated 8-part series Rivals, based on the much loved novel by Jilly Cooper, was announced on 21 March. Set against the backdrop of 1980’s England, the series will feature the same drama and success of the social elite featured in it’s original source inspiration. Produced by Happy Prince, which is a part of ITV Studios, the series will be filming at The Bottle Yard Studios’ new TBY2 facility.

Amazon Prime Video to release first African original movie

Written by Kianna Best on Mar 23, 2023. Posted in Production News

Gangs of Lagos, Prime Video’s first African original movie, is set to be released on the streaming service on 7 April. The action crime-thriller, directed by Jáde Osiberu, follows a group of childhood friends navigating the complexities and dangers of their lives in Isale Eko, Lagos. Gangs of Lagos’ release is the display of Prime Videos commitment to its investment in Nigeria and the Nollywood film industry, and a dedication to telling thoughtfully made and authentic stories form the continent.

Disney +’s Willow creator teases Volume II

Written by Kianna Best on Mar 22, 2023. Posted in Production News

Willow creator Jo Kasdan teased the write up of Volume II despite cancellation rumours. The series, which is a sequel to the Ron Howard and George Lucas 1988 fantasy movie of the same name, is written up and ready for production, but is not likely to be released before the next year. The series which stars Warwick Davis, Buby Bamber and Ellie Cruz is shot on location across the idyllic countryside landscapes of Wales.

Screen Queensland and Freemantle Australia launch sustainability internship programme

Written by Kianna Best on Mar 20, 2023. Posted in Production News

Screen Queensland and Freemantle Australia have partnered to bring a new sustainability internship. The placement will take place on set of Network 10 and Nickelodeon’s youth series Rock Island season 2 which is currently filming on the Gold Coast. The programme is another step in the region’s commitment to reducing the ecological footprint of local production.

Anna Valley and Garden Studios open new virtual production studio

Written by Kianna Best on Mar 17, 2023. Posted in General Interest

A new virtual production studio is coming to central London from the partnership between Anna Valley and Green Studios. The entertainment technology company is set to bring an over 150 sq metre volume and supporting crew along with technology to the Green Studios’ London based facility. This announcement, made yesterday, follows the companies’ collaboration on the recent SMPTE Virtual Production Showcase that was held at Garden Studios and featured an LED volume by Anna Valley.

UK Government increase film and tv tax breaks

Written by Kianna Best on Mar 16, 2023. Posted in Incentive News

The UK Spring budget released on 17 March by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt revealed a happy outcome for the fate of tax breaks in the film and tv sector. After an uneasy period of review, British producers can breath as sigh of relief at the developments which introduced increased tax expenditures that will influence how the existing rebate systems are calculated across the film, television, animation and video games production, ensuring the nation’s maintained status as one of the biggest production hubs in the world.

Problems and promises highlighted in Channel 4 and Amazon Studios industry access survey

Written by Kianna Best on Mar 15, 2023. Posted in General Interest

Channel 4 and Amazon Studios joined forces to produce The Industry Access Survey 2022 titled Access into Action. With a range of figures and unexpected discoveries, the survey draws attention to the sectors of the television industry that are falling short in ensuring accessibility for Disabled and neuro divergent communities. From the downfalls and promising results, the survey has presented concise next steps that productions can instate over the next 6 months to evoke change in their production practices. Moderator and Chanel 4 sports presenter Jordan Jarret-Bryan was joined by a panel consisting of writer Jack Thorne, tv producer Bryony Arnold, head of UK originals at Amazon Dan Grabiner, and  producer Clare Brown.