Chopiniana at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center

Join Chevalier Ballet for “Chopiniana,” a romantic ballet choreographed by Mikhail Fokine and staged by Chevalier Ballet Artistic Director, Sara Knight.

Tickets are available on EventBrite Here!

The Peaky Effect: How Birmingham Became a Global Film Destination

The Peaky Blinders phenomenon has not only captivated viewers for over a decade but also significantly impacted Birmingham's global recognition in the movie industry. With filming for the movie adaptation about to commence, the "Peaky effect" is set to elevate Birmingham's place on the international cinematic map.

The show's creator, Steven Knight, is a major driving force behind this cultural transformation. He has established Digbeth Loc Studios in Birmingham, which is now a hub for expanding the city’s film production capabilities. In partnership with West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, Knight is spearheading initiatives to open a new production office next year, with the intent to attract even more movie business to Birmingham.

Birmingham has been no stranger to the film industry. Over the years, movies like Ready Player One, Mission: Impossible, Stan & Ollie, and The Italian Job have all utilized various Midland’s locations and even some online casino as well. Yet, Peaky Blinders has been perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the region, bringing its industrial and culturally rich aesthetic into the spotlight. The locations, particularly the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, have provided an authentic backdrop for the gritty narrative of the Shelby family.

Knight recognizes the need to not just passively wait for film productions to come to Birmingham but to actively pursue them. "What we need to do is not only be there waiting for the call," he says. "We need to be going out there and attracting productions, which we haven't been doing." His vision points towards transforming Birmingham into a sought-after hub for filmmakers worldwide, establishing the infrastructure necessary to support large-scale productions.

The original Peaky Blinders series concluded its six-season run on TV in 2022, ending with a dramatic and blood-soaked finale that stayed true to its hard-hitting narrative style. However, the story is far from over—its journey continues in new forms, like the upcoming movie, which has thrilled fans and reignited interest in Birmingham as a film destination. Beyond the movie, the "Peaky effect" has inspired a wealth of cultural spin-offs: walking tours that trace the footsteps of the characters, street murals that commemorate the infamous Shelbys, themed pubs that recreate the atmosphere of post-WWI Birmingham, and even a dance adaptation that tells the story through a new medium.

Digbeth Loc Studios, Knight’s brainchild, is integral to the next chapter of the "Peaky effect." The studio is committed to investing in Birmingham's film ecosystem by bringing in new talent and providing industry training opportunities. Trainees will gain experience in areas such as casting, securing locations, sourcing sets, and working directly with actors and directors. This hands-on approach aims to build the local talent pool, ensuring that Birmingham’s role in the movie industry continues to grow. This is akin to learning to play some NetBet Sport games from the champions.

The broader impact of Peaky Blinders on Birmingham's creative economy is evident in how local networks are gaining momentum. Reel Brum, a creative hub for filmmakers of all levels in the city, has worked to celebrate and empower the next generation of local talent. While there have been strides in festival access and training schemes, the road to breaking into the industry remains challenging for newcomers. Cassie Smyth, from Reel Brum and the Birmingham Young Film Network, emphasizes that while local talent is gaining experience, many creatives desire the opportunity to remain in Birmingham and work on large-scale productions without having to relocate. 

At the University of Birmingham, Jemma Saunders from the Department of Film and Creative Writing also acknowledges the positive impact of the Peaky Blinders phenomenon, although she notes that it’s just the beginning. "Peaky Blinders does have a really positive impact, but obviously it's only the start," she said. Saunders draws attention to what she calls the "Peaky effect," a phenomenon that has put Birmingham on the radar of production companies considering the city as a film and TV location.

Birmingham’s ambitions are further showcased by a series of major upcoming productions, many of which will benefit from the infrastructure built through Peaky Blinders' success. The upcoming movie promises to bring back the same gritty aesthetic and high-stakes drama that fans loved about the TV series. This production will continue to cement Birmingham's reputation as a dynamic filming location, capable of delivering cinematic experiences that capture audiences worldwide.

Local businesses have also experienced a boost from the Peaky Blinders phenomenon. Themed pubs, like The Garrison, have recreated the 1920s atmosphere from the show, becoming a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy Peaky-inspired cocktails and a historical experience reminiscent of the Shelby family’s notorious escapades. Meanwhile, walking tours have sprung up, giving fans the opportunity to trace iconic filming locations across Birmingham, further blending the line between television fiction and city history. These tours have helped boost tourism, giving an economic uplift to the hospitality sector, with restaurants, cafes, and hotels seeing increased foot traffic from Peaky fans.

Another significant cultural offshoot has been the Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby dance adaptation, which toured the UK to rave reviews. This adaptation reimagines the story of the Shelby family through expressive choreography, giving audiences a fresh perspective on the iconic characters. It's proof that Peaky Blinders transcends its original format, adapting seamlessly to new artistic expressions, from dance to fashion. Peaky Blinders-inspired attire, featuring vintage caps, three-piece suits, and 1920s-inspired dresses, has become a popular style trend. The show’s influence on fashion has led to the rise of themed parties and events, keeping the Peaky aesthetic alive long after the series finale.

Looking forward, the prospects for Birmingham in the film and TV industry are exciting. Digbeth Loc Studios will undoubtedly play a crucial role in attracting more productions to the city. Its establishment demonstrates a commitment to creating sustainable growth in the creative industry and offers a physical space where both local and international projects can thrive. The studio’s ability to bring in trainees covering everything from casting to set sourcing means that the next generation of filmmakers will receive practical, on-the-job training. This development will help establish Birmingham as a true creative powerhouse, capable of competing with traditional film hubs like London.

The Peaky Blinders legacy has, in a sense, rewritten Birmingham's history. What was once perceived as an industrial city primarily known for its factories and canals is now increasingly recognized as a cultural hotspot with a thriving creative scene. The "Peaky effect" has effectively spotlighted Birmingham, highlighting not just its rich history but its present and future as well. As Steven Knight and his collaborators continue to push forward with new productions, the world will see Birmingham not just as a setting but as an integral character—a city brimming with stories yet to be told.