West Midlands talent to train for hit TV revival
A new wave of West Midlands film and TV talent is set to rise as Kudos Knight – the partnership between Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and leading production company Kudos – launches a major training bootcamp for local creatives.
Training for 60 West Midlanders
Developed in collaboration with Create Central, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Solihull College & University Centre, the scheme will train 60 people from across the region in high-end scripted television production – just as the new Peaky Blinders series begins development.
Three bespoke courses will run under the “Peaky Blinders Training Bootcamp” banner:
- one for new entrants to scripted production,
- one to accelerate mid-level crew with previous experience, and
- one tailored for skilled tradespeople such as carpenters, make-up artists, and art department professionals looking to transition into TV.
The courses will combine talks, practical workshops, and masterclasses led by senior production figures, preparing participants to take up roles on major productions filmed in the West Midlands.
Investing in creative futures
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “It’s boom time for our region’s entertainment industry, with our first major studios up and running and investment pouring in from some of the biggest names in TV and film. We’re investing heavily in our young people so they have the skills to land exciting careers and help make the West Midlands the creative capital of the UK.”
Martin Haines, joint managing director at Kudos, said the partnership reflected growing momentum in the region.
“Kudos Knight’s pipeline of projects is coming to fruition, and I’m delighted that we’re making Peaky Blinders here in the region,” said.
“We must grow the number of skilled local crew, and this training will help make that possible.”
Growing the West Midlands industry
Ed Shedd, chair of Create Central, said the bootcamp builds on the region’s “industry-first” training model designed to connect diverse local talent directly with jobs.
The initiative follows last year’s successful scripted production course in Digbeth, delivered by BAFTA-winning MAMA Youth in partnership with the Birmingham Film Academy.
Established in 2022, Kudos Knight aims to create a thriving scripted production hub in the West Midlands, ensuring the region’s stories – and its people – are at the heart of Britain’s creative future.
Applications for the Kudos Knight Peaky Blinders Bootcamp are now open via Solihull College & University Centre’s website.
