Aspiring young storytellers take part in exciting 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: Behind the scenes: How BBC Drama students got filmmaking insight thanks to our Careers Hub

The completed short films have now been showcased at a ‘red carpet’ style premiere event at Millenium Point (on 24 June), 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.”

Sophia Kendall, student at Walsall Studio School, said: “It was quite a surprise when BBC Studios approached the school with an opportunity to get involved in this project – it has given me some real experience to put on my CV. Getting involved has made me think about my career in a different way - I was thinking of being a director but this project helped me learn about other job roles in the creative side of film production.”

Jodie Boughey, student from City of Wolverhampton College said: “When I started my media course, I knew I wanted to do something with the BBC. The college introduced me to this project and I was thrilled to have the role of first assistant director. The creative sector is so important to the region because it’s something everyone can get involved in – you don’t need to be a genius. In the future, I’d love to work in the industry, whether it’s in live television, as a director or assistant director or a producer - as long as I get to be bossy!”

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.”

Greg Spruce, curriculum manager for creative, culture and visitor economy at City of Wolverhampton College that hosted one of the filming sessions said: “We were delighted to work in partnership with the BBC on this project and to give students the opportunity to work on real productions alongside experienced industry professionals.

“"And, after all their hard work and commitment to the project, it was great that they were able to attend the premiere and see the final productions on the big screen and their names in the credits at the end of their film.”

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.

The DfE’s Eve Oakley, senior manager for the senior careers offer for young people, who attended one of the screenwriting workshops, said, “The inspirational young learners were fully engaged and visibly enjoyed the experience.

“Speaking to the BBC Studios coaches, it was clear they are keen to provide these type of outreach experiences; not only to ensure the talent pipeline into the industry in the West Midlands, but also because they really enjoy doing it.

“Following these outreach events, BBC Studios Drama Productions offers the students a range of short-term placements to work in one of these production roles. Several students went as far as to say that they had changed their plans after getting hands-on experience and were looking for apprenticeships or jobs in the industry once they had completed college.

“This is clearly the ‘gold standard’ for modern day work experience and employer experiences and it would be wonderful if all sectors and employers were able to give up so much time and resource in a similar way.”

John Yarham, CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company said: “The programme, designed by BBC Studios in partnership with the WMCA Careers Hub, demonstrates clear impact in raising young people’s curiosity, confidence and career readiness for creative sector professions.

“BBC Studios has brilliantly embedded pathway information and insight into local opportunities into the programme, enabling young people to potentially pursue a career in the creative sector.

“The programme has been fantastically coordinated by the WMCA Careers Hub to align with a local growth priority. A standout example of modern work experience."