Birmingham

Create Central and the BBC launch writing scheme for Birmingham based aspiring scriptwriters

The scheme will be comprised of workshops, expert-led sessions and networking opportunities across an eight-week period. From June 2024, the soon-to-be script writers will learn each stage of writing for screen, covering all bases.

This will be the second “Write Across” scheme the BBC has initiated after the successful “Write Across Liverpool” last year.  

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and Kudos team up for two new dramas

Stephen Knight stood smiling at Cillian Murphy

The creative partnership comes after the creation of Knight (Peaky Blinders, Taboo, See) and Kudos’ BBC series SAS Rogue Heroes. The deal will give Kudos a first look at Knight’s UK based projects, and will utilise Knight’s Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham, showing a firm commitment to increasing financial investment in skills and training in the West Midlands.

Our friend in the Midlands: Caren Davies on the ambition and heart of Birmingham

Caren Davies (Credit: RTS Midlands)

Over recent weeks, many column inches have been written concerning the success of the Birmingham-inspired TV series Peaky Blinders.

Its move from BBC Two to BBC One has been seamless. More people watch it in the Midlands than anywhere else in the country.

Peakys has undoubtedly put Birmingham firmly back on the national and global map, but the city’s reputation struggles to shake off some outdated prejudices.

Steven Knight on his childhood glimpse at the Peaky Blinders world to working with Brad Pitt

The screenwriter about to become a studio mogul; the boardgame inventor whose next drama will launch Apple’s foray into television; the Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? creator nominated for an Oscar – there are many ways to paraphrase the extraordinary career of Steven Knight. Let’s start, however, with the blacksmith’s son who launched a million haircuts.

Terry Stanton celebrates 50 years RTS service

Dorothy Hobson and Terry Stanton (Credit: Jenny Wilkes)

The TV veteran received a certificate from Midlands vice-chair Dorothy Hobson. “I hope to remain active to at least 2036 when it is my aspiration to organise a lecture for the RTS entitled ‘Television: the first 100 years’,” he said.

Terry Stanton’s interest in television began at an early age when his father bought a Marconi set to watch the funeral of King George VI in 1952.

What's next for Ultra-HD TV?

The first Ultra-HD sets simply increased the resolution, but the new format offers much more to television audiences. Both high dynamic range and a wider colour gamut are features of the latest TV sets in the shops.

At the Midlands event in mid-January, Salmon, lead research engineer at BBC R&D, discussed the principles of Ultra-HD television and, in particular, the greater range of colours – the wider colour gamut – available on new TV sets.

Sci-fi writer shares tips for success

Phil Ford

Birmingham-born writer Phil Ford – the co-creator, with Russell T Davies, of CBBC series Wizards vs Aliens – discussed his career in front of an audience of RTS Midlands and Writers’ Guild members in October.

Ford was quizzed by BBC One Midlands Today presenter Joanne Malin at the BBC Academy in Birmingham, with the conversation covering his TV work and valuable insights into the craft of writing.