Screen WM, the regional screen agency, is proud to announce that the West Midlands, through Screen WM and Film Birmingham support has secured the relocation of the major BBC TV drama series, Survivors.
This is a major coup for the city and forms part of wider strategy by Screen WM to secure and create a more sustainable screen media sector in the region and is welcomed news particularly during the current recession. The news follows the broadcasters recent announcement that the long running Birmingham-based drama series Doctors has been recommisioned for an further 3 years in Birmingham.
The Survivors team are due to move to Birmingham from the beginning of April with production starting in May. This latest announcement positions the West Midlands as an important hub for UK drama production. The series will go into production in May 2009, for a four month duration.
Screen WM and Film Birmingham played a key role in securing the new production, showcasing our region’s diverse locations, facilities and crew to broadcasters producers – who were clearly impressed:
Nicolas Brown, Director, BBC Drama Production says: "The recommission of Survivors is a real cause for celebration for BBC Drama Production. We are very pleased to be shooting this series out of Birmingham, our base for the successful and innovative Doctors. We are looking forward to working with everyone there to get the maximum impact on screen for this all important second outing."
Suzie Norton, CEO of Screen WM said ‘This is a fantastic win for the West Midlands, in particular during a time where everyone if feeling the crunch and the cut-backs as a result of the current recession. Working in partnership with Film Birmingham we have been able to sell the great offers of our region and moving to the future we look forward to working with the broadcaster.’
Council Leader Mike Whitby reiterates: “Bringing a hugely successful TV show like Survivors to the city is great news and a testament to the iconic backdrop that Birmingham offers film makers. We launched Film Birmingham three years ago, and it has been a huge success, promoting our film-friendly reputation and encouraging even more production within the city. I am confident that more shows will follow the Survivors lead.”