The Birmingham Film & TV Market’s (BFTM) EXPO launched this week at the stunning Grade II-listed Council House, marking a major milestone in positioning Birmingham as a world-class hub for film and television.

Running from 24–27 June, the event’s first three days offered a dynamic blend of interactive workshops, high-level development sessions, and a bustling job fair, welcoming filmmakers, writers, producers, and industry from across the UK and beyond.

Highlights from the First Three Days featured:

  • 24 June – Production & Pitching Day: Attendees refined their pitching skills through live masterclasses and 1‑to‑1 sessions supported by industry coaches MYSMASH Media. A panel titled “A–Z of Producing” with Janet Awe (Awethentic Tales) and M&M Film Productions explored the full lifecycle of a production from concept to delivery. “Film Festival Success Path”, guided creators on navigating regional film festivals including Birmingham Film Festival, Flatpack, Worcester, and Beeston. 
  • 25 June – Writing & Development Day: BBC Writers Room hosted an inspiring conversation with acclaimed writer Rob Williams. Emerging writers engaged with top executives and participated in live table reads performed by Acting for Screen.
  • 26 June – Job Fair & Networking Day: Employers across disciplines offered one-on-one and on‑the‑spot meetups. WMCA, BFI, Global Screen Fund, Create Central, and PACT hosted informative panel discussions. The day concluded with a conversation chaired by Ameeta Virk (Department for Business & Trade) alongside Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight and Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker on the future of the industry in the region.

Steven Knight and Richard Parker discussed with Ameeta Virk about Birmingham’s rising profile and the work underway to build stronger ties with the government. They emphasised a shared commitment to investing in Birmingham’s creative future and hinted at plans for a regional film services support unit to help support production in the Midlands saying an announcement about their plans is expected imminently.

Chris Curley, Head of Nations and Regions, PACT said: “Following this week's announcement of the Creative Places Growth Fund in the Government's Creative Industries Sector Plan, I hope the audience at today's Pact panel took away that the West Midlands has a window of opportunity to grow and support its film and TV companies.

“By doing this it will help create a diverse and sustainable screen sector, which in turn will have a wider beneficial economic impact on the area.” BFTM co-founders Sophie Ivanova, Mellissa Donello and Louise Osbourne shared their vision: “We’re committed to empowering Birmingham’s creative industries - fostering talent, creating jobs and attracting investment.

“Through collaboration and support, we’re shaping a brighter, more inclusive creative future for the Midlands. The feedback on the EXPO so far has been incredibly positive and we look forward to building on this week’s success with the fifth edition of the BFTM”

The EXPO culminates with the prestigious BFTM EXPO Pitch Event, a curated, invite-only event will see a curated selection of filmmakers and writers present their ideas to top industry executives. Confirmed companies scouting for new projects include Film4, BBC Drama, Kudos Knight, Imagine Entertainment, Kaleidoscope Film Distribution, Zero Gravity Management, Boat Rocker Studios, Central City Media, Eleventh Hour Films, Evolutionary Films, Screenbound, and M&M Film Productions.