WATCH and LISTEN: Civic leader urges broadcasters and production companies to back local talent
TV and film companies bringing productions to Birmingham have been urged to put their faith in local talent rather than “importing” crews from elsewhere.
Anita Bhalla, chair of Birmingham City University and B:Music, made the call on the latest episode of Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business, the podcast from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, produced in partnership with STEAMhouse.
She was joined by broadcaster, entrepreneur and philathropist PJ Ellis for the episode, which focused on the people and stories that make Birmingham great.
The episode, hosted by the GBCC’s chief executive Henrietta Brealey, is available to watch on YouTube and to listen to on all major podcast apps.
Anita welcomed BCU’s partnership with the BBC at the broadcaster’s new home in the Tea Factory in Digbeth.
But she raised concerns that the city’s creative freelancers are still losing out on work.
“The story I’m hearing time and time again from the freelancers is, it’s great we’ve got MasterChef and Silent Witness here, but actually we’re still employing people from Bristol and other places,” she said.
“I really want to say to the BBC and other broadcasters: our talent is here. Just look at the freelance pool we have here. These businesses need to grow and will grow, but not if you keep on importing people into our city and region.”
PJ, who presents on BBC Radio WM, added: “I so hope this move into Digbeth for the BBC is not a missed opportunity, because all the talent is here.
“I’m seeing more videographers, more creatives, with no work, because they’re being pulled in from London to run these TV shows.”
The pair were also full of praise for the city. Anita said Birmingham’s culture was “bold” and “youthful”, adding: “It’s built on generations of newcomers, generations of different kinds of industries, generations of different ways of living, food, you name it – and I think that mix is magic.”
PJ spoke about co-founding Love Brum, which has backed around 600 small community projects.
He said the city was built on kindness, stating: “The people that would give you their last £5 note if you needed it – that’s what Brum’s all about.”
The episode also covers PJ’s Wit & Grit podcast with Chamber president Andy Dawson, Anita’s memories of working at Cadbury’s, and their favourite places to eat, from desi pubs to Soho Road.
There is also a taste test of the Brummie bacon cake from B:Eats at Symphony Hall.
Subscribe to ‘Brumbassadors: Why Birmingham Means Business’ on the following platforms:
Pictured: From left - Henrietta Brealey, Anita Bhalla and PJ Ellis
