The British Film Commission officially designated the West Midlands as the U.K.'s eighth regional production hub for scripted inward investment for film and high-end TV, according to Variety. The designation follows the success of locally-rooted content. The independently-financed UK action movie 'This is Birmingham' peaked at number five on Prime Video UK's top ten films, Deadline reported.
The BBC plans to establish its future regional headquarters in The Tea Factory in Digbeth, Variety also noted. Official movements channel investment into new UK regional hubs, shaping the UK and Ireland film and TV production update for 2026. However, independent productions from Ireland are simultaneously proving that grassroots projects can achieve international critical success with targeted public support.
The UK and Ireland's film and TV industries appear poised for a more diverse and geographically distributed future, driven by both strategic investment and independent creative strength.
- The British Film Commission named the West Midlands as the U.K.'s eighth official regional production hub for scripted inward investment for film and high-end TV, according to Variety.
- The BBC plans to establish its future regional headquarters in The Tea Factory in Digbeth, Variety reported.
- The independently-financed UK action movie 'This is Birmingham' peaked at number five on Prime Video UK's top ten films, Deadline noted.
- 'This is Birmingham' is being adapted into a TV series, Deadline also stated.
- Irish produced documentary ‘The Balkan Cowboy’ has been selected for the Competition Programme – Documentary Feature at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, according to IFTN.
- ‘The Balkan Cowboy’ forms part of Screen Ireland's 2026 Production Slate and is supported by an Arts Council Project Award, IFTN also reported.
The independently-financed UK action movie 'This is Birmingham' peaked at number five on Prime Video UK's top ten films. The commercial success was achieved before the West Midlands received its official designation as a production hub. The film is now being adapted into a TV series, according to Deadline.
Companies and policymakers focusing solely on large-scale infrastructure projects for regional hubs risk overlooking the vibrant, already-successful independent production ecosystem. 'This is Birmingham' achieving top-tier commercial success on Prime Video UK provides clear evidence. The official designation of the West Midlands, while a positive step, appears to be a formal acknowledgment of a decentralization already organically proven by market and critical reception of independent regional content.
Irish Independent Cinema Gains International Acclaim
Irish produced documentary ‘The Balkan Cowboy’ has been selected for the Competition Programme – Documentary Feature at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, according to IFTN. International recognition highlights the critical strength of Ireland's independent film sector. The documentary forms part of Screen Ireland's 2026 Production Slate and is supported by an Arts Council Project Award, IFTN further reported.
The international critical acclaim for 'The Balkan Cowboy,' backed by Screen Ireland and an Arts Council Project Award, underscores that strategic public funding for independent projects can be impactful. The approach can be more agile than major corporate relocations, such as the BBC's planned move to Digbeth. Such targeted support allows regionally-rooted productions to achieve significant global visibility.
What are the latest film and TV production trends in the UK in 2026?
Latest trends in UK film and TV production in 2026 involve a growing decentralization of activity beyond London. This includes the formal designation of regional hubs like the West Midlands and significant corporate investments, alongside the organic success of independent regional films. This dual approach aims to cultivate diverse storytelling and talent development across the country.
How is the film industry in Ireland performing in 2026?
The film industry in Ireland is performing strongly in 2026, particularly in the independent sector. It is achieving international critical acclaim through projects like 'The Balkan Cowboy'. Screen Ireland's 2026 Production Slate specifically prioritizes projects that foster new talent and diverse narratives, strengthening the industry's international profile.
What new film and TV projects are being filmed in the UK and Ireland in 2026?
New film and TV projects in 2026 include the TV series adaptation of the commercially successful UK film 'This is Birmingham.' In Ireland, critically acclaimed independent documentaries like 'The Balkan Cowboy' are gaining international attention. These projects showcase a shift towards both commercially viable regional stories and artistically recognized independent productions.
