Young storytellers take part in screenwriting project with BBC Studios

Young people aspiring for a career in screenwriting and film production have been taking part in an exciting project set up by BBC Studios Drama Productions and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Careers Hub.

The six-month project, in collaboration with City of Wolverhampton College, Walsall Studio School and Solihull College and University Centre, has given young people a unique opportunity to create script and film content alongside BBC professionals using state of the art equipment.

The 60 young people involved in the project were selected by the colleges based on the creative sector-linked courses they were enrolled on. Brought to life in association with BBC Drama Commissioning, it was designed to give West Midlands students practical, hands-on experience in both editorial and production roles.

After taking part in a BBC Studios Drama Productions screenwriting master class and with the support of dedicated coaches, the students were able to take on key roles such as production, filming and acting to produce three inspirational and poignant films around the themes of an emotive drama, a psychological thriller and a grounded sci-fi drama.

Watch this video to find out more about the project.

The completed short films have now been showcased at a ‘red carpet’ style premiere event at Millenium Point, with the learners and their families, key project partners and the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker in the audience.

The project is a part of modern work experience, a pilot scheme being rolled out by The Careers & Enterprise Company, the national body for careers education. The pilot is testing a new framework to improve work experience for every pupil in the region.

BBC Studios Drama Productions is the biggest drama production hub outside of London with bases in England, Scotland and Wales. Its award-winning dramas include EastEnders, Silent Witness, Father Brown, Shakespeare & Hathaway, Casualty and Pobol y Cwm.

In congratulating the students and organisers, the Mayor said: “The work of these aspiring young screenwriters is truly inspirational. This course’s innovative approach to work experience gives young people a real-world taste of what it is like to work in the creative sector.

“As part of my ‘Jobs for Everyone’ mission and to help tackle youth unemployment I will continue to provide more opportunities for young people to take part in practical and useful work experience. This is how we can equip them with the skills and insight they need to secure meaningful work and enjoy fulfilling careers.”

Kris Green, training executive at BBC Studios Drama Productions, said: “The West Midlands continues to be a vital drama hub for BBC Studios – from the award-winning Silent Witness to our cosy crime favourites Father Brown and Shakespeare & Hathaway. As our slate grows, so do our ambitions to invest in practical, paid training opportunities on our shows across the region.

“This film project – delivered in partnership with the WMCA Careers Hub and BBC Drama Commissioning – has given students a hands-on introduction to the full editorial and production journey and offered us a brilliant opportunity to connect with the next generation of local storytellers. The students have been outstanding – and we hope they’re proud of the films they worked so hard to create.”

The WMCA’s Careers Hub receives funding from the Department for Education (DfE) through the Careers and Enterprise Company – the national body for careers education in England.

Pictured: Student Jodie Boughey, City of Wolverhampton College (left) and Sophia Kendall, Walsall Studio School (right) met Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands before the screening