Screen WM : supporting, promoting and developing the Region’s changing media landscape

Screen WM is the lead agency for film, television and digital media in the West Midlands, a region that is driving innovation and excellence in content creation and cross-media collaboration.

Channel 4’s recent decision to base its new Digital Media 4iP commissioning hub within Screen WM’s offices in central Birmingham has further strengthened the region’s role in leading the digital media revolution for the UK, a key focus for the agency’s activities in 2008 and beyond. In addition, this year will see Screen WM build upon its unprecedented success in feature film production and development, lead innovation in audience development and archive, and continue to promote the region on an international stage through its dedicated Locations Service, lobbying and marketing activities.

Driving the digital revolution

Screen WM’s £10 million digital media fund, developed through an innovative partnership with Channel 4, and supported by Advantage West Midlands, launches in July 2008 and will provide fantastic opportunities for screen media companies across the West Midlands to lead innovations in areas such as online drama, interactive education and games development.

The agency’s £600,000 Advantage Development Fund was extended in 2008 to encourage and support applications from the digital media sector.

Screen WM has been instrumental in the development of Birmingham’s new Digital Film and Media Event, taking place in October 2008, which is set to strengthen Birmingham’s position at the heart of digital innovation.

Promoting and supporting innovation

Screen WM is dedicated to leading innovation in the screen media sector. For 2008, the agency has created a new role - Head of Innovation and New Markets – who will be responsible for delivering over £10 million of investment in the West Midlands’ media industries, developing?creative and technological innovations, reaching new markets, negotiating high level partnerships across the board from blue chip companies to digital leaders.

Developing feature film production

Screen WM has co-financed an unprecedented five feature films through the Advantage Media Production Fund, including Coventry based filmmaker Debbie Isitt’s wedding comedy, Confetti, and Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitcross’ multi-award winning The Road to Guantanamo. The agency’s new slate of films includes Faintheart, the worlds first user generated content movie, Clubbed, The Day and many more to come in 2008.

The £4 million fund is one of the biggest available in the UK and is open to applications from across the country, although an emphasis is given to projects which film, post produce or draw creative talent from the West Midlands.

The West Midlands: A great place to make films

Screen WM’s online locations service, developed in collaboration FILM Birmingham, provides a one-stop-shop for filming enquiries in Region. 353 crew, 26 general services, 81 facilities, 35 production companies have been registered to date, many of these used in production invested in by Screen WM.