Production Central WM is the region’s dedicated production services agency, backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority and partnered with Create Central. We bring together everything a producer needs — locations, crew, facilities, and support — into one streamlined service.
Our mission is simple: to remove barriers and make the West Midlands the easiest place in the UK to produce content. From securing permits and sourcing build space to connecting you with skilled talent, we’re here to keep your production on time, on budget, and on vision.
The West Midlands is the one of the UK’s most production-ready regions. A central, connected hub with the talent, locations, and facilities to make filming streamlined and cost-effective. Producers choose it for three reasons: unrivalled accessibility, authentic versatility, and strong support from a growing pool of skilled crew and suppliers.
Birmingham, Coventry, and the Black Country deliver modern skylines, historic streets, and industrial grit, all within minutes of one another. Add one of Europe’s youngest, most diverse populations, plus global hits like Peaky Blinders and MasterChef, and the region stands out as the true home of original storytelling.
Courtesy of Banijay Entertainment.
Production Central is your single point of contact for filming across the West Midlands.
We work in close partnership with local authorities across the West Midlands Combined Authority, alongside West Midlands Police (WMP) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), to support and facilitate film, TV and content production at every scale, from small shoots to complex, multi-location productions.
All filming applications are managed through our bespoke permit system, designed to make the process clear, consistent and efficient. We guide you through each stage and coordinate directly with the relevant partners on your behalf.
For full details on filming requirements, responsibilities and best practice, please refer to our Code of Practice, which sets out the agreed approach to filming across the region.
WMCA jurisdiction covers the following local authorities:
Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
“Filming in the West Midlands is always a wonderful experience. The locations are amazing! Historic buildings and rural landscapes merge into cityscapes with villages, canals, rivers and woodlands close by. Add the wide range of diverse talent both on and off screen, and it is a joy to make films here.”
Writer & Director
Modern skylines, canals, and industrial grit that can double for cities around the world.
Authentic backdrops for period dramas and heritage-led productions.
Countryside, hills, and waterways that bring scale and authenticity.
Historic canals and towpaths offering urban grit, heritage charm, and atmospheric backdrops.
Purpose-built and flexible spaces ready to host productions of every scale.
Global productions already trust the West Midlands for its locations.
Courtesy of Banijay Entertainment.
The West Midlands is home to one of the UK’s strongest and most diverse production workforces, with skilled crew available at every level, ready to join your project.
“The region has a fantastic selection of locations that really enhanced the quality and authenticity of our film. Everywhere we went they really understood and embraced the project. There was a huge amount of support all the way through which made filming very easy.”
Producer, The Colour Room
The region brings together an experienced, adaptable screen workforce, able to support everything from small shoots to large-scale productions, with the local knowledge and practical support needed to keep projects moving.
Courtesy of Banijay Entertainment.
The West Midlands is Europe’s youngest and most diverse region, ensuring crews that reflect modern Britain. Strong links with universities, colleges, and industry training programmes guarantee a fresh pipeline of new talent, alongside seasoned specialists.
© BMET / WMGC.
Regional crews have supported global productions including Peaky Blinders, Mission: Impossible, DI Ray, Three Little Birds, Champion, Joan, This Town, and MasterChef. From high-end TV and feature films to commercials and digital content, the West Midlands has the experience to deliver at every scale of production.
© Hattrick / HTM Television.
“Filming in the West Midlands is always a wonderful experience. The locations are amazing! Historic buildings and rural landscapes merge into cityscapes with villages, canals, rivers and woodlands close by. Add the wide range of diverse talent both on and off screen, and it is a joy to make films here.”
Writer & Director
Courtesy of Banijay Entertainment.
© Sky UK Limited.
© Hattrick / HTM Television.
If you’re planning a shoot and need guidance on permits, timings or logistics, our team is here to help.
For all location enquiries and to speak to someone before making an application, please contact:
Emma Ellis
Production Liaison Executive
T: +44 (0)121 336 9835
M: +44 (0)7483 076144
E: emma.ellis@productioncentralwm.com
Charley Marshall
Production Liaison Support
T:+44 (0) 121 336 9827
M: +44 (0)7375 079753
E: charley.marshall@productioncentralwm.com
Production Central WM is the production services agency operated by the West Midlands Growth Company to deliver a comprehensive support service for all types of production seeking permission to film within the West Midlands Combined Authority Area. Our experienced team have worked on a wide range of high end TV, feature film and commercial productions and provide a detailed service, which includes; location finding, permissions & liaison, road closures & traffic management and links to sourcing local crew and suppliers.
Please note: WMCA Jurisdiction covers the following local authorities; Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
All requests to film within the WMCA jurisdiction require the relevant permissions and include (but not exhaustive) the following types of locations:
Once you have discussed your proposals with Production Central, please click on the ‘Apply for Permit’ button to confirm your application. All applications must provide evidence of public liability insurance (minimum £5million) and a risk assessment.
Once you have agreed to the Terms and Conditions / Code of Practice / Permit Admin Fees and submitted your application, you will receive an acknowledgement by email. If the application is successful, your permit will follow.
Please note: Permits are issued upon receipt of payment, unless prior arrangements have been agreed.
If you wish to enquire about filming in neighbouring authorities across the wider West Midlands, please contact the appropriate Film Offices using the links provided.
We’re committed to supporting the next generation of filmmaking talent across the West Midlands and helping student productions get off the ground smoothly.
With the exception of equipment testing, all student film projects require a filming permit. Journalism students are typically exempt, although some activities may still require approval. Please refer to our Student Guidelines for full details.
As part of your application, you’ll need to provide public liability insurance (usually available through your college or university), a risk assessment, and a clear description of the scenes you plan to film.
To help avoid delays to your project, we strongly recommend reading and following the Student Guidelines before submitting your application.
Martin has over two decades of film and TV experience, beginning at the BBC as a Location Manager before shaping regional production growth at the West Midlands Screen Bureau and Create Central. He created the Foot in the Door skills programme, is Vice Chair of RTS Midlands, and co-founded ARC HOUSE, backed by the Film and TV Charity’s Reel Impact Fund. Martin is driven by a simple mission: to open doors, develop talent and champion the West Midlands as a home of original storytelling.
Production Liaison Support
Charley.Marshall@productioncentralwm.com
+44 (0)121 336 9827
+44 (0) 7375 079 753
Charley is an experienced events and project specialist who has supported some of the UK’s biggest live productions, including Eurovision 2023, London Marathon Events and Unboxed 2022. With strengths in logistics, stakeholder coordination and on-the-ground delivery, she’s now bringing that expertise into film and TV, applying the same precision and energy to help power the West Midlands’ new hub for world-class screen and content production.
Production Liaison Executive
Emma.Ellis@productioncentralwm.com
+44 (0)121 336 9835
+44 (0)7483 076144
Emma has over 20 years’ experience in location departments, working across major Midlands productions including Hustle, This Town and Murder Before Evensong. She brings a deep understanding of the logistical and creative demands of production, supporting teams to work smoothly, efficiently and with the right local insight.
