New funding aims to boost film and TV in West Midlands

The UK’s West Midlands region has launched a £6 million Content Production Fund to attract film and television productions and strengthen its creative industries. The initiative, announced by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, is designed to support projects that offer strong public value and significant economic and employment benefits to the region.

Funding supports diverse media content

The fund will provide grants ranging from £100,000 to £600,000 to cover eligible production and post-production costs. It supports a wide range of content, including scripted and unscripted television, feature films, documentaries, and animation. Both local producers and external productions planning substantial activity in the region are eligible to apply.

Grants may be recoupable or non-recoupable

The type of funding—either recoupable or non-recoupable—will be determined on a project-by-project basis. All awards will include public value protection provisions, ensuring the projects benefit the region. Priority will be given to projects that create local employment, use regional businesses, and contribute to the long-term growth of the screen sector.

Part of a larger investment in creative industries

The fund is part of a broader £100 million investment by the West Midlands Combined Authority and regional partners. This includes plans to expand studio infrastructure, improve skills, and create jobs across the creative industries. The region’s creative sector is already worth nearly £4 billion annually and supports 38,000 jobs.

Recent productions highlight regional success

Recent film and television productions in the West Midlands have generated significant economic impact. In the first quarter of 2026, the region accounted for almost 40% of the UK’s total film and television expenditure, with £15.5 million spent locally. Productions like Peaky Blinders and The Cadburys have showcased the area’s growing appeal to the industry.

New studios and BBC expansion boost prospects

The West Midlands is home to its first major film studios at Digbeth Loc, and the BBC plans to increase its production spending in the region to £40 million a year by 2027. The broadcaster also intends to relocate its headquarters to Birmingham’s Tea Factory in 2027, further boosting the area’s creative economy.

Initiative builds on existing efforts

The new fund will build on the work of Production Central WM, the region’s production services agency, and complement the third round of the IP Content Fund. This partnership with Creative UK has supported 25 television, film, and digital projects in recent years, including a reboot of Bagpuss and the BBC crime-drama The Hairdresser Mysteries.

Applications now being accepted

Expressions of interest for the Content Production Fund are currently being accepted through Production Central WM. The initial stage requires high-level details about prospective productions, including budgets, schedules, and regional activity. The full application process is expected to open in early 2027, with detailed guidelines to be published then.