Birmingham Steps into the Spotlight at Birmingham Film & TV Market EXPO 2025

Image credit: Anthony Davies

24-27 June 2025, Birmingham UK

• Fourth edition of BFTM – the BFTM EXPO 2025 is a high-profile 4-day event strategically placing Birmingham as one of the leading Film & TV hubs in the country.
• Special guests Steven Knight (Kudos Knight), Richard Parker (Mayor of the West Midlands) and many more.
• Award-winning actor and director Adrian Lester CBE returns as BFTM Ambassador.  
• BFTM EXPO to be held in the Banqueting Suite of the stunning Grade II listed Birmingham Council House building.

An impressive line-up of TV execs and guest panels has now been finalised for the fourth edition of the Birmingham Film & TV Market (BFTM), taking place from 24-27 June 2025. This year’s BFTM EXPO 2025 will welcome major industry bodies and executives from across the UK’s Film and TV industry to Birmingham in a strategic move to position Birmingham as one of the leading hubs for Film & TV in the country.

A highlight of the event, the BFTM EXPO Pitch Event on 27 June, 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.

Although submissions for pitching have now closed and filmmakers have been selected, there are still opportunities for filmmakers and writers to get involved. The 2025 BFTM EXPO presents its most ambitious programme to date featuring seminars, workshops, networking events, pitching sessions, and job opportunities.  

A limited number of passes remain available for:

• Pitching & Producing Day -24 June
• Writing & Development Day – 25 June
• Job Fair – 26 June.

Industry leaders and organisations taking part include BBC Writers Room, BFI Global Screen Fund, Create Central, West Midlands Combined Authority, Department for Business & Trade and PACT, who will lead a wide range of panels and talks.

Programme highlights include:

• Make it in Brum: In conversation with Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Steven Knight, Kudos Knight on the future of the Film & TV industry in the region and building a thriving infrastructure outside London.

• BBC Writers Room: A session with acclaimed screenwriters Rob Williams and Rebecca Rogers, exploring how the BBC is supporting diverse voices and broadening access in the region.

• PACT on building an indie business in the West Midlands: Chris Curley (PACT Head of Nations and Regions) in discussion with Nick Toon (Rationale Consulting), Emma Riley (Shine TV for BBC Masterchef), Beth Newell (Common Story), Anna Goodridge (Eleventh Hour Films), and Sarah Elgin (Optomen Birmingham).

• Film Festival Success Path: A panel discussion with regional film festivals including Flatpack Festival, Birmingham Film Festival, Worcester Film Festival and Beeston Film Festival, offering insights into navigating the regional festival circuit and amplifying underrepresented voices. This is an opportunity to find out what the programmers are looking for and how to select the right festival for you.

The BFTM team, led by Midlands-based filmmakers Sophie Ivanova, Mellissa Donello and Louise Osbourne, is proud to support the region and actively involve local students, nurturing the next generation of talent:

“Education is a very important part of our mission. This year we’ve partnered with institutions including BOA, BIMM’s Met School and BOM to provide students with hands-on industry experience and invaluable networking opportunities. We’re committed to building real opportunities and raising Birmingham’s profile on the global stage by empowering its creative talent. We aim to fuel the region’s growth and cultural vibrancy by fostering talent, creating jobs, and attracting investment. Through collaboration and support, we can shape a brighter, more inclusive future for Birmingham and the Midlands, amplifying its unique voice and vision.”

Steven Knight commented about the BFTM: “The Birmingham Film and TV market is a fantastic opportunity for our City to let the world know what we have to offer and for the world to find out what an offer we have.  Big City, young population, incredible locations and a genuine desire to create a new and vibrant media industry.  I look forward to seeing you there in my home town.” 

If you’re going to make it, make it in Birmingham!

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