Top TV sci-fi drama Survivors relocates to Birmingham
Mar 15 2009 by Anna Blackaby, Birmingham Post
Survivors, BBC One’s post-apocalyptic character-based adventure series, will begin filming on location in Birmingham from May 2009 it was announced.
The relocation of the series is a major coup for the city and Screen WM, the regional screen agency, and Film Birmingham, the city’s film office, have been key in securing the new production.
BBC drama production director Nicolas Brown said: “The recommission of Survivors is a real cause for celebration for BBC Drama Production.
“We are very pleased to be shooting this series out of Birmingham, our base for the successful and innovative Doctors. We are looking forward to working with everyone there to get the maximum impact on screen for this all important second outing.”
The new six-part series, which includes Max Beesley (Hotel Babylon), Robin Addison (Casualty) and Phillip Rhys (24) in its cast list, will be broadcast on BBC One.
The relocation forms part of a wider strategy by Screen WM to secure and create a more sustainable screen media sector in the region and follows the broadcaster’s recent announcement that the long-running Birmingham-based drama series Doctors has been recommissioned for an further three years in Birmingham.
The Survivors team is due to move to Birmingham from the beginning of April with production starting in May and the series will go into production in May 2009 for a four-month duration.
Screen WM and Film Birmingham played a key role in securing the new production, showcasing the region’s diverse locations, facilities and crew to BBC producers. Screen WM chief executive Suzie Norton said: ‘This is a fantastic win for the West Midlands, in particular during a time where everyone if feeling the crunch and the cut-backs as a result of the current recession.
“Working in partnership with Film Birmingham we have been able to sell the great offers of our region and moving to the future we look forward to working with the broadcaster.”
Council Leader Mike Whitby said: “Bringing a hugely successful TV show like Survivors to the city is great news and a testament to the iconic backdrop that Birmingham offers film makers.
“We launched Film Birmingham three years ago, and it has been a huge success, promoting our film-friendly reputation and encouraging even more production within the city,” Coun Whitby added.
“I am confident that more shows will follow the Survivors’ lead.”
