The iconic streets of Birmingham are once again echoing with the sounds of “Peaky Blinders” as filming for the highly anticipated movie adaptation gets underway at Digbeth Loc. Studios. This production marks a significant investment by Netflix in the West Midlands region, signaling a commitment to both the show’s legacy and the burgeoning UK creative economy.
On Thursday, November 14th, the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, visited the set to celebrate Netflix’s investment and highlight the positive impact “Peaky Blinders” has had on the region. “The show has put our region on the international stage,” Parker remarked, emphasizing the boost to local tourism and the creation of jobs in the film and television industry.
Parker expressed his ambition to transform the West Midlands into a creative hub, collaborating with industry leaders like Steven Knight, Netflix, and the BBC to nurture local talent and provide opportunities for young people to pursue careers in the creative sector.
Steven Knight, the creative force behind “Peaky Blinders,” expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the production back to its roots in Birmingham. “The Peaky movie is being shot in the heart of Digbeth, which was the stomping ground of the real Peakies a hundred years ago,” Knight stated. He emphasized the commitment to involving local communities in the production and fostering a sustainable film and television industry in the Midlands.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s support for initiatives like Digbeth Loc. Studios that create jobs and drive investment in underserved areas. She praised Netflix’s investment as a catalyst for bringing more productions to life and empowering local talent to contribute to the UK’s creative landscape.
Anne Mensah, VP of Content, UK at Netflix, expressed the company’s excitement for filming “Peaky Blinders” in Birmingham and working with Steven Knight. She emphasized the importance of not only bringing beloved British stories to the screen but also providing opportunities for local communities to tell their own stories.
Netflix’s investment in the West Midlands extends beyond “Peaky Blinders.” In recent years, the streaming giant has filmed several productions in the region, including “Christmas on Mistletoe Farm,” “Champion,” parts of “The Crown,” and “Black Mirror.” Furthermore, Netflix is committed to developing local talent through initiatives like the “IGNITE Your Creativity” program, which will offer young people in the West Midlands the skills and networks to pursue careers in the creative industries.
This investment is part of Netflix’s broader commitment to the UK, its second-largest production hub globally. The company invests nearly $1.5 billion annually in UK-made shows, employing over 10,000 cast and crew members across the country. With a majority of its upcoming scripted series filmed outside of London, Netflix is actively contributing to the growth and diversification of the UK’s creative sector.
The return of “Peaky Blinders” to Birmingham symbolizes a convergence of creative vision, economic investment, and regional pride. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling to not only entertain but also to revitalize communities and inspire the next generation of creative talent.
About the author
Ferry Services Resume After Six Weeks of Disruption, But Delays Hit Holyhead Reopening
Ferry services to and from Holyhead Port have resumed after being disrupted for over six weeks due to damage sustained during Storm Darragh in early December. The storm caused significant damage to terminals 3 and 5 at the Welsh port, with terminal 5 operating on a temporary basis upon reopening. The Irish Ferries ship WB Yeats arrived in Dublin Port from Holyhead this morning, marking the resumption of services. However, the initial restart was not without problems. Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), reported a three-hour delay for the second ferry from Dublin to Holyhead due to an electrical fault at the port. Hyland expressed concern about the port's readiness, citing the large backlog of freight on the Welsh side. He emphasized the potential for "huge disaster" for the haulage sector, passengers, and Ireland's imports […]
Conor McGregor Named in Civil Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault at NBA Finals
Conor McGregor, the mixed martial arts fighter and former UFC champion, is facing a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault at the Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena and American Airlines Arena) in Miami during the NBA Finals on June 9, 2023. The plaintiff alleges that McGregor assaulted her in a bathroom at the venue and is seeking unspecified damages from both McGregor and the Miami Heat Limited Partnership, the arena's ownership group. McGregor has denied the allegations through a spokesperson, dismissing them as a "shakedown." While the Miami Police Department initiated an investigation following a report filed on June 11, 2023, the Florida State Attorneyโs Office declined to file criminal charges in October 2023. This declination does not preclude the pursuit of a civil suit, which has a different standard of proof than criminal proceedings. The lawsuit also details […]
Hollyoaks ‘Bad Boy’ Paul Danan Dies at 46
Paul Danan, best known for his role as Sol Patrick in the British soap opera Hollyoaks, has died at the age of 46, his management has confirmed. Danan portrayed the "bad boy" character on the Channel 4 show from 1997 to 2001 and subsequently became a familiar face on reality television. Independent Creative Management shared a statement with the PA news agency, expressing their sadness at Danan's passing and describing him as "a beacon of light to so many." They requested privacy for his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Beyond Hollyoaks, Danan participated in the reality dating show Celebrity Love Island in both 2005 and 2006. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (Channel 5) in 2017, where he was an early evictee and expressed hope that the show would revive his career. He frequently […]
Bandits Kill Three Telecom Workers in Kebbi State
Four people were killed in a bandit attack at a telecommunications construction site near the Nigeria-Niger border, Kebbi State police confirmed Saturday. The victims included three Airtel Communications employees and one local resident. The attack occurred on January 10 at approximately 8:47 pm in Gumki village, Arewa Local Government Area, where the workers were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service. The attackers, identified as suspected members of the Lakurawa bandit group, targeted the construction site. Kebbi State Police Commissioner Bello Sani and Immigration Service Comptroller Muhammad Bashir Lawali responded immediately to the incident, overseeing the transfer of victims' bodies to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi. In response to the attack, the Police Commissioner has strengthened security in the area by deploying additional tactical teams specifically tasked with targeting the Lakurawa bandits. He also organized a […]
‘The Right Man Won’t Be Scared’, Dancer Kaffy Speaks on Love After Divorce
Popular Nigerian dancer Kafayat Shafau, known professionally as Kaffy, has addressed speculation about dating following her 2022 separation from Joseph Ameh. The dancer and author dismissed the notion that successful women intimidate potential partners, stating confidently that the right man will approach her without fear. "A man who knows what he wants goes for it," Kaffy explained in an interview with Saturday Beats. While acknowledging that women can be successful independently, she emphasized that wanting companionship is natural, though not desperate. "Any man who has me is blessed," she added, reflecting her strong sense of self-worth. Speaking about her separation from Ameh, Kaffy maintained a remarkably mature perspective. Rather than assigning blame, she described it simply as two people no longer being in agreement. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially as a parent, over staying in an […]
Road Rage Incident in Temiskaming Shores, Canada
A 37-year-old suspect from Englehart, Ontario, has been charged in connection with a road rage incident that took place in Temiskaming Shores. The alarming event, captured on the victimโs dash cam, shows a white Toyota Rav 4 intentionally chasing and eventually ramming into the victimโs vehicle. The incident occurred on December 30th at around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 65 in Temiskaming Shores. In a news release on Friday, the Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated: "The Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police is seeking assistance from the public in locating anyone having video/dash camera footage in relation to collisions and erratic driving" linked to this incident. Following the collision, OPP officers made several attempts to stop the suspect's vehicle, ultimately deploying a spike belt. This action successfully halted the vehicle, and the driver was arrested without […]
Related
Netflix’s New Hit, La Palma, Blends Natural Disaster with Family Drama
Netflix's latest sensation this Christmas is "La Palma," a four-part Norwegian disaster series that follows two main storylines set against the backdrop of an impending volcanic catastrophe in Spain's Canary Islands. The Plot: The story centers on a Norwegian family's annual Christmas vacation at a La Palma resort. Fredrik and his wife Jennifer's relationship shows signs of strain, while their children - teenage Sara and spectrum-child Tobias - navigate their own challenges. Meanwhile, at the La Palma Geological Institute, scientists discover disturbing signs of an imminent volcanic eruption. The Science Element: The show builds on real geological concerns: since La Palma's last eruption in 1949, a massive fault line has developed around the volcano's base. Scientists worry that the next eruption could cause a Manhattan-sized portion of the mountain to collapse into the ocean, triggering an unprecedented tsunami. Key Characters: […]
Amanda Seyfried to Star in Musical Film “Ann Lee”
Amanda Seyfried, who was previously considered for the role of Glinda in Jon M. Chu's "Wicked," will be lending her musical talents to a different project. She is set to star in "Ann Lee," a historical musical film directed by Mona Fastvold, co-writer of the upcoming film "The Brutalist." "Ann Lee" tells the story of Ann Lee, the religious leader who founded the Shaker Movement in the late 1770s. Lee was revered by her followers as the female embodiment of Jesus Christ, and her worshippers expressed their devotion through song and dance, making the musical genre a fitting choice for this biographical film. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Christopher Abbott, Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Tim Blake Nelson, Stacy Martin, Matthew Beard, and more. Daniel Blumberg, the Golden Globe-nominated composer of "The Brutalist," has created original songs for […]
Dick Clark Productions Unveils 2025 Golden Globes Nominations
The entertainment world is abuzz as Dick Clark Productions takes the reins of the Golden Globes, announcing the highly anticipated 2025 awards nominations. This year's lineup showcases a remarkable mix of cinematic and television talent, spanning genres from musical comedies to gripping dramas. With films like "Wicked," "Challengers," and "Emilia Pรฉrez" leading the pack, the nominations promise a thrilling preview of the upcoming awards season. Comedian Nikki Glaser is set to host the January 6 ceremony, bringing her signature comedic flair to Hollywood's celebrated night of recognition. The transition to Dick Clark Productions marks a new chapter for the Golden Globes, breathing fresh energy into one of the most prestigious awards events in the entertainment industry. I'll help you organize the Golden Globes 2025 nominations in a clear, structured format. I'll list out the nominations exactly as they appear in […]
Kunle Afolayan Clears the Air on Netflix Nigeria “Exit” Comment
In a recent interview that has captured the attention of the Nigerian film industry, renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has emphatically addressed rumors about Netflix's presence in Nigeria, providing clarity amid swirling speculation. The controversy began at the Zuma International Film Festival, where Afolayan's comments were selectively interpreted as suggesting Netflix might be leaving the Nigerian market. However, the filmmaker strongly rejected this narrative, describing it as a classic case of taking statements out of context. Afolayan, a long-standing Netflix partner, stressed that his actual message was a call to action for the Nigerian film industry. He emphasized the need for local content creators to develop alternative distribution platforms and not solely rely on a single streaming service. The filmmaker highlighted his ongoing relationship with Netflix, revealing two significant upcoming projects. "Anikulapo" is set for its second season and is currently […]
‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease
Jase Robertson, son of "Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson, has revealed that his father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The announcement was made on the family's podcast, "Unashamed with the Robertson Family," where Jase shared details about his father's declining health. Phil, who was a prominent figure on the podcast, is now unable to participate due to his health struggles. Jase described his father's condition as a combination of a blood disease and early-stage Alzheimer's, which has significantly impacted his physical and cognitive abilities. "He's really not doing well," Jase shared. "He's struggling." He also noted that his father can barely walk without experiencing pain and misses participating in the podcast and sharing stories with his family. The Robertson family is seeking to make Phil as comfortable as possible, acknowledging that there is no cure for his condition. They […]
Squid Games Season 2: A Deeper, Darker, and More Gruesome Dive into the Games
Get ready for a wild ride, because Squid Game is back and it's about to get even more intense! Season 2 of the record-breaking Netflix series is hitting screens this Boxing Day, and creator Hwang Dong-hyuk promises a "crueler, scarier, and more gruesome" experience that will surpass the shocking twists and turns of the first season. Picking up where Season 1 left off, with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) choosing not to board his flight and instead confront the deadly games, Season 2 delves deeper into the themes of social division, economic inequality, and the consequences of our choices. Hwang, inspired by the current state of global conflict and polarization, has created a world where players are divided into factions and forced to make impossible choices. "I wanted to tell a story about how the different choices we make create conflicts among […]
Be the first to leave a comment