Production Central WM are powering a new era of film and TV in the West Midlands
Cameras are rolling on a bold new chapter for the UK’s screen industries with
Production Central WM. Marking their first time exhibiting at FOCUS London, the West Midland’s official production office connects filmmakers with world-class locations, talent, and facilities.
Launched by the
West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), in partnership with
Create Central, and funded by the
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the new office aims to make the region the natural home for original storytelling and international production. Led by
Martin Simms, a seasoned industry professional with over two decades of experience, Production Central WM will serve as the go-to hub for domestic and international filmmakers alike. The launch project was led by
Graham Webb, Executive Lead at
Create Central.
At FOCUS London 2025, Production Central WM will take centre stage to showcase why the West Midlands is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most dynamic creative regions. “Attendees will discover why original storytelling starts in the West Midlands, the UK’s most convenient, cost-effective filming destination,” Martin said.
The creation of Production Central WM marks a significant milestone in the region’s cultural and economic growth. It follows the BBC’s expanded investment in the West Midlands, including a new memorandum of understanding with the WMCA to nurture regional production talent. Early projections estimate that the new office could boost the regional economy by £100–200 million over the next five years, generating up to 2,000 long-term jobs and supporting hundreds of roles per production.
“From Shakespeare to Steven Knight, great storytelling starts in the West Midlands,” comments
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of
WMGC. “The new Production Central WM office will build on that legacy by becoming the natural home for inspiring, original content.”
“Our dedicated production office will attract filmmakers and TV executives from all over the world by making it even easier to get their cameras rolling. We’re creating the opportunities aspiring writers, directors, actors, and crews need so they don’t have to leave home to chase their dreams and can build amazing creative careers right here in the West Midlands,” adds
Richard Parker,
Mayor of the West Midlands.
The West Midlands has already proven itself a magnet for high-profile productions, with titles like
Peaky Blinders, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Late Night Lycett, Silent Witness, and
MasterChef filmed across the region. These successes have showcased a landscape that’s as diverse as it is cinematic.
“The West Midlands is old, new, green field, brown field, urban, rural, posh, poor, 16th century to 21st century… most of which have never been shot,” states
Steven Knight CBE, creator of Peaky Blinders. “And it costs less than most other places. If you want to shoot here, we now have a brand new, super-fit for purpose film production office which matches the region’s ambitions. It’s called Production Central WM.”
Beyond production, the region is also embracing emerging trends such as cross-platform storytelling and screen tourism – both transforming how stories are told and experienced.
“Cross-platform storytelling and the rise of screen tourism are two trends sweeping the industry at the moment, reshaping how audiences experience stories and where they’re made,” said the Production Central WM team.
As the team looks ahead to FOCUS London 2025, their enthusiasm is clear: “FOCUS is a stand-out event on the production industry calendar, uniting global creatives and fostering collaboration, fresh partnerships, and insights that help strengthen the West Midlands’ place in world production. We’re most looking forward to showcasing the region’s creative power – and perhaps grabbing a photo with one of the Peaky Blinders cast!”
With its deep creative roots, world-class talent, and bold new infrastructure, Production Central WM is positioning the West Midlands not just as a filming location, but as a storytelling powerhouse for the next generation.
To meet Production Central West Midlands at FOCUS, register for a complimentary delegate badge HERE.
Header image: Peaky Blinders (Digbeth Loc studios)
Left image: DI Ray – (Hattrick , HTM Television)
Right image: Brassic – Credit - Filming in England
