Where to start?

One of the best areas of general support comes from the fantastic Film Hub Midlands who are a driving force behind film culture in the Midlands. Covering the entire region they can help provide funding and training and have a variety of inclusive programmes for all. They also work closely with the BFI network who support, develop and champion new filmmakers looking to kick-start their career with funding workshops and more.

In addition you can find extra support and a list of useful networks and film links at the excellent Create Central - an org dedicated to supporting and promoting film and TV in the area.

How can a young filmmaker get support?

We recommend the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) which has performing arts schools around the region and offers opportunities for young people aged 4-18 years in musical theatre, comedy & drama and filmmaking. In the West Midlands specifically is the Birmingham Young Filmmakers Network (BYFN) who focus on building a community to work collaboratively in film (16-21 year olds).  Screen Northants in Northamptonshire helps create new educational pathways and curriculum enrichment schemes, which develop the next generation of film industry professionals.

And Into Film Midlands puts film at the heart of children & young people’s learning. Supported by the BFI it gives every child and young person aged 5 to 19 in the UK the chance to experience film creatively.

How can I find cast and other acting resources?

Do check our website by using our search facility and key words to find specific cast, crew and more. In addition, a number of Facebook groups such as Midlands Actors and Extras and Midlands Actors & Film Network host a pool of local on-screen talent.

The Midlands Screen Acting School helps youngsters of all ages with acting skills, classes and training and The Acting Studio is based at Broadway Cinema in Nottingham. The Open Space offers a range of workshops, classes and short courses to help enable actors to work at their best at the centre of the ever-growing acting community in Birmingham.

The Actors Workshop Nottingham provide members with professional quality vocational actor training and performance skills development. And Monoreels specialise in creating cinematic monologue and duologue reels to showcase your talent for casting directors andauditions.

I’m not based in a big city so how do I find support?

Definitely check out Rural Media, a charity who work with communities, schools, groups and individuals to create issue-driven films, heritage and digital arts projects that raise awareness, influence change and celebrate rural life.

Worcestershire Film Office is a comprehensive one-stop shop, connecting filmmakers with diverse locations, talented crews, cast members, industry suppliers and other resources.

What about scriptwriters?

If you have a script you want to hear out loud or just want to meet and mix with other writers, join the free, independent, writer-led group Scriptwriting East Midlands who meet every third Tuesday of the month. The BBC Open Call is an avenue for upcoming scriptwriters and gives opportunities to new voices.

Can I get my film online?

Once you have uploaded your films to YouTube, Vimeo and other video streaming sites, we recommend sharing your production with the Midlands Film Archive. They showcase films made by filmmakers living or originating from the Midlands, and state, "With so many great examples of storytelling available, we decided to help celebrate that talent by putting the best of them in one place for you to enjoy". We couldn't agree more. And also send them to us! We can host on our front page, add them to Spotlight features and share on our socials! Send your press releases and links to midlandsmovies@yahoo.com

Where can I find out about the region’s film festivals?

Midlands Movies has a huge list of ongoing film festivals in the region at this link which highlights a wide variety of events from county-wide local festivals, to genre specific horror and documentary showcases. Also check out Flatpack which is a mobile arts organisation which exists to show amazing work, bring people together and develop new ideas. Every May they take over venues across Birmingham for "magnificently eclectic" Flatpack Festival.

How can I network with others in the film industry?

A major focal point for networking in the area is at NEXUS Cast and Crew Network. With 2000 members and events, talks and showcases taking place regularly, their support over the last 5 years has been invaluable to the film community and tp those in front of and behind the camera.

Short Stack is a bi-monthly short film showcase based in Nottingham and their regular screening events mean you can share your work, see others' projects and network in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere with fellow creatives from the region's film community. The Film Forum West Midlands is an online group for all aspects of filmmaking in and around the Birmingham area and beyond.

Another part of Film Hub Midlands work is their Network Film Hub Midlands which supports filmmakers as part of BFI Network, Broadway Cinema in Nottingham and Flatpack. And finally Reel Brum host monthly events for Birmingham's film & tv community as well as linking West Midlands creatives with funding opportunities.

What other film groups can I be involved in?

Script Sirens is a new powerful collective of female and non-binary screen and script writers situated in the West Midlands and Journey Film Club Birmingham is a local non-profit LGBT community pop-up cinema film club that prides itself on delivering the very best in different varied themed films.

Reaching further afield the Lincoln Film Society organises a programme of the best of contemporary world cinema. Their patron is the award-winning actor Jim Broadbent and they are a voluntarily run, not-for-profit organisation and a member of the British Federation of Film Societies (BFFS), and The British Film Institute.

How can I get my film featured and reviewed in media outlets?

We’ll do it of course! But also, from our experience we have developed two quick-start guides about writing and creating engaging press releases and how to apply and position your marketing for film festivals and more. (Download the documents below).

For aspiring writers and more info on the region, Birmingham-based Film Stories is an online platform run by Simon Brew which has expanded to include a monthly film magazine (Film Stories), live events at MAC Birmingham, and most recently, Film Stories Junior magazine.

Where can I screen or premiere my movie in the region?

As well the Midlands film festivals link listed above, check our list of independent cinemas in the Midlands at this link (scroll to bottom of page). We heartily recommend you help support them through this tough period and we hope filmmakers can soon get in touch with these awesome venues for their premieres and film groups.

How do I get permission to film in a location in the Midlands?

There are a whole host of useful documents and downloadable templates at Film Sourcing. Here you can get a location release form template to adapt as well as music release forms, location scouting documents and call sheet templates. And if you’re based in the area, Film Birmingham is Birmingham Council’s Film & TV office who are committed to making filming as easy as possible. They work closely with productions to help find locations and crew across the West Midlands.

What's new in the region?

Some new organisations have popped up in the last few years which will help filmmakers of all experience levels including Film Leicester (city & county support and info), Five Lamps Films (bi-monthly short film screenings in Derby), Birmingham Film & TV Market (West Midlands networking and development events) and Loft Movie Theatre (cult/classic movie nights).

And of course, please continue to check out and search our website. Contact us for the latest news, reviews and updates about the Midlands film community. Share, like, follow on social media and add our new site to your favourites and we can help provide continuous updates regarding the amazing and diverse film community in the region.

Michael Sales (Founder/editor, Midlands Movies)

Web: www.midlandsmovies.com

Email: midlandsmovies@yahoo.com

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