As part of Netflix and National Youth Theatre’s ongoing investment in the region, this week thirty young people aged 16-25 are benefiting from free Film & TV workshops at Digbeth Loc Studios.

The workshops are part of Netflix and NYT’s IGNITE Your Creativity programme, helping break down barriers for young people from the West Midlands who want to work in film and TV. The scheme is supported by Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight, who is currently filming the movie adaptation of the hit series at Digbeth Loc Studios.

IGNITE aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and connections to build networks and confidence. It offers free practical workshops that explore the wide-range of creative roles available, including information on starting salaries and progression to counter the narrative that creative careers are poorly paid and unstable. IGNITE also connects young people with set and backstage visits, work experience opportunities and industry experts. IGNITE has already hosted 23 workshops working with over 600 young people in the West Midlands this year.

The scheme follows research conducted by Netflix and NYT earlier this year which found that the majority (89%) of working class parents don’t want their child to pursue a creative career. Parents favour ‘traditional’ careers in law, finance, medicine and technology for their children because they offer good career progression (60%), good pay (58%) and a stable career path (56%).

Research shows that these ‘traditional’ professions are better at attracting more diverse talent, with only 8% of people working in film, TV and radio identifying as working class.

The problem is further highlighted by young people (16-25) already working in the creative industry. One in four (26%) of them said their parents, guardians or carers are unsupportive of their creative endeavours. Close to three quarters (73%) say their parents view their career as a waste of their education.

On Saturday 22 February, Birmingham Hippodrome will also be hosting a free introductory workshop for those interested in becoming an NYT member from 4.30pm-6.30pm. More information and sign up here.