It’s no secret that London’s long been the heart of the UK’s film industry. But lately, something interesting has been happening. Filmmakers are looking beyond the capital—and finding serious creative gold in cities like Brighton, Manchester, Bristol, and increasingly, Birmingham.
Whether it’s due to rising production costs in London or a hunger for fresh backdrops, UK cities are stepping confidently into the spotlight. And honestly? It’s making for much more interesting screen stories.
Take Brighton, for instance—full of character, colour, and quirk. It’s been a backdrop for everything from indie dramas to stylish thrillers. But now, another city is catching the eye of directors, location scouts, and production crews alike: Birmingham.
Beyond London: Why Filmmakers Are Branching Out
London will always be a powerhouse, sure. It has the studios, the crew networks, the infrastructure. But it also comes with high costs, packed schedules, and a sense of been there, shot that.
Other cities offer a new kind of creative space. They come with their own visual identity, local talent pools, and—crucially—budgets that stretch further.
Plus, regional councils and film offices are catching on. They’re working harder than ever to make their cities camera-ready, with streamlined permissions, community support, and incentives for shooting outside the capital.
Brighton’s Cinematic Charm
Brighton is already well-established in the creative scene. The city’s seaside energy, regency architecture, and artsy vibe have long made it a go-to for shoots that need a touch of the offbeat or a splash of vintage flair.
From beachside dramas to period pieces and punky music videos, Brighton’s compact geography means filmmakers can get variety without the long travel days. You’ve got city, coast, pier, lanes, graffiti, and grandeur—all in one shootable bubble.
But while Brighton brings charm in spades, there’s another UK city quietly making moves. And it’s doing it with grit, scale, and serious style.
Enter Birmingham: The Industry’s Rising Star
Long overlooked by big-budget productions, Birmingham is now gaining momentum as a full-scale filming destination. And it’s about time.
The city offers an incredible variety of backdrops—from Victorian industrial streets to cutting-edge modern architecture. It’s got wide boulevards, winding canals, Brutalist landmarks, leafy suburbs, and more.
It’s also well connected. With its central UK location and growing reputation as a cultural hub, Birmingham makes perfect sense for production teams looking to avoid London’s price tag without losing quality.
For filmmakers exploring beyond London, these top filming locations in Birmingham offer cinematic backdrops and production-friendly access without the capital’s price tag.
You can see why demand is rising.
What Makes Birmingham Stand Out
Let’s break down why filmmakers are increasingly drawn to the Midlands’ biggest city:
1. Visual Variety
Need something that looks urban and contemporary? Birmingham’s got it. Want a period setting that can double as 19th-century London? Covered. Looking for a bit of grunge, neon, or natural beauty? It’s all there.
This range gives directors the freedom to shoot entire narratives without ever leaving the region. That’s a huge time and money saver.
2. Hidden Gems with Cinematic Scope
Some of the best shots aren’t the obvious ones. In Birmingham, filmmakers are discovering hidden gems that haven’t been overused or overexposed.
Think old factories with character, canal paths at golden hour, rooftops with skyline views, and intimate side streets with stories baked into the brickwork. These places have soul—and they’re camera-ready.
3. Supportive Infrastructure
Film Birmingham, the city’s official film and TV office, is actively working to make the city accessible for shoots. Permits, location access, and local crew contacts are handled with professional care.
It’s this kind of support that helps keep productions on time and on budget—two things every producer loves to hear.
4. Budget-Savvy Locations
Filming outside of London doesn’t just save on location hire. Crew rates, accommodation, catering, and local services are all often more affordable.
That means independent filmmakers and major studios alike can maximise screen value without compromising on ambition.
A Few Birmingham Highlights for Filmmakers
If you’re considering filming in the Midlands, here are a few standout locations that have serious cinematic appeal:
| Location | Why It Works on Camera |
| Digbeth | Industrial grit, warehouse chic, neon-lit nightlife and creative spaces. |
| Birmingham Library | A futuristic architectural gem with dramatic interiors and skyline views. |
| Jewellery Quarter | Character-filled streets, historic buildings, perfect for period dramas. |
| Canal Network | Offers moody reflections, scenic pathways, and urban-meets-nature feels. |
| Custard Factory | Bold, artistic, colourful—ideal for stylised shoots or youth-focused media. |
Each of these areas has been used for music videos, shorts, ads, and more—and they still feel fresh.
Why Location Choice Matters
A location is more than just a background. It sets the tone, defines the energy, and helps tell the story visually—before a single word of dialogue is spoken.
Pick the right city, and you’re not just finding a place to film—you’re adding character, history, and context to your narrative.
But there’s also the practical side. Location affects everything from travel logistics to local crew availability to weather risks. Birmingham offers a central location, strong transport links, and a fast-growing creative community—all of which make shoots run smoother.
UK Film Culture Is Getting More Diverse—and That’s a Good Thing
As more productions break away from the London bubble, the UK’s creative landscape is expanding. That’s good news for regional crews, local economies, and viewers who are hungry for fresh sights and stories.
Brighton brings bold, creative spirit. Birmingham brings range, scale, and raw visual potential. And when more cities step into the spotlight, the entire industry wins.
We get richer stories. Broader representation. New icons.
Final Thought
Filmmaking thrives on fresh perspectives—and that includes where the camera’s pointed.
If you’re scouting for a location that’s versatile, budget-friendly, and visually rich, Birmingham deserves a closer look.
The city’s star is rising, and the thriving Birmingham video production scene proves that great storytelling doesn’t need a London postcode.
So whether you’re shooting a music video in Digbeth, a period drama in the Jewellery Quarter, or a slick promo in the Library of Birmingham, remember: some of the UK’s most exciting cinematic spaces aren’t where you’d expect.
They’re just waiting to be seen.
