TV skills graduate lands job on new show by creator Steven Knight

Since going on a TV production skills course funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Sador Zerie’s career has catapulted to such an extent that the 24-year-old found himself working behind the camera on ‘This Town’ – the upcoming drama from Peaky Blinders creator and fellow Brummie Steven Knight.

Sador is one of more than 70,000 people across the West Midlands who have undergone WMCA courses to learn the skills they need to find employment, progress at work or even change careers.

Sador from Quinton, graduated from Birmingham City University with a BA in film making and followed this with freelance music video production, shooting documentaries and some commercial work.

But he then decided to complete the Create Central TV production skills bootcamp, delivered by Solihull College & University Centre and funded by the WMCA, in a bid to focus his skills and further develop his career opportunities.

Following completion of the bootcamp, Sador was offered the opportunity to work as a camera trainee on Steven Knight’s BBC drama, ‘This Town’ and then on to another show ‘Legacy’ for Apple TV.

Sador said, “Completing the TV Production bootcamp provided by Create Central, gave me a realistic approach to entering the Film and TV industry and offered opportunities that I would otherwise most likely not be presented with while doing my freelance work. It’s been a really beneficial experience to support my career progression and the training and connections that I have made is second to none.

“One of the great things about the bootcamp is being able to do placements – I got to work on a show for Tiger Aspect/ITVX – Deep Fake Neighbour Wars – which helped me to build up my network and get me noticed by other production companies for my skills.

“I would say to anyone who wants to get into TV/Film production to do things now, build up your networks, develop a good showreel, always say yes to opportunities and never be afraid of failing. I recommend joining a skills bootcamp as it will open-up a world of opportunities.”

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “It’s wonderful news that we’ve been able to put more than 70,000 local people like Sador through WMCA funded skills training programmes in 2023.

“Our programmes have been a real success story - upskilling the West Midlands workforce and raising the profile our educational offer.

“A key part of my mayoral mission is to ensure residents right across our region get the skills they need to succeed - opening up their access to good job opportunities in the months and years ahead."

For more information about what is on offer visit the WMCA’s Level 3 training offer web pages. Also visit National Careers Service for more information.

Pictured: Sador Zerie in action on the set of This Town