BFI ploughs sum into recently-established screen agency Create Central

The West Midlands has won a £1m boost to film and TV through a grant from the BFI’s National Cluster Growth Fund.

The BFI has bestowed the National Lottery-funded sum to industry body Create Central to support a two-year programme which is heavily focused on digital infrastructure and immersive storytelling as well as encouraging more film and TV production to the region.

Create Central was established in 2019 to turbo charge the screen sector and counts Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight and Nativity film franchise creator Debbie Isitt, as members.

“In these extremely challenging times, this is a very welcome and meaningful investment for our independent film, TV and games makers,” said Isitt.

“Create Central has come up with an action plan based on our collective experience of working in the region with the aim of supporting film, TV and games production over the next two years and beyond.”

Create Central works in close partnership with the WMCA, the three Local Enterprise Partnerships, West Midlands Growth Company, the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands, West Midlands Combined Universities, WM5G and other public sector organisations.

“This important BFI investment will help Create Central to deliver a dynamic programme of activities,” said West Midlands mayor Andy Street.

“It will focus on boosting the resilience of the West Midlands screen industries and help them to return to the growth they were generating prior to the coronavirus crisis.”

Create Central is today launching its search for industry specialists to work with them over the coming months to develop and deliver its programme.

These include a global head-hunter to secure production investment into the region, an innovation lead and specialists in skills and training as well as communications and content.

By Joanna Tilley, 23 April 2020

Source: Broadcast