In the last couple of years the WM Producers' Forum has started to flourish and it had gained more interest from people in the film industry who want to help promising film producers get started.

Four years ago the WM Producers' Forum was set up by four independent film producers wanting to share ideas and information about the film industry. Natasha Carlish, a Birmingham based film producer, organised an networking event which was attended by eighty local film producers and Screen WM, the regional screen agency. This event helped launch to the WM Producers' Forum as a recognised organisation within the film industry.

To enable them to organise events, sponsorship had to be found...Screen WM, The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Birmingham City Council's Urban Fusion were some of the first to get involved.

The money raised kick started a programme of workshops and talks run by executive producers- helping up-and-coming regional film producers to get their material market ready. They were also involved in hosting a film hub at the Cannes Film Festival where members could use the facilities or just take a break from the busy surroundings.

By 2006 The WM Producers' Forum had started an apprenticeship programme training twelve emerging regional film makers. They came up with the idea of pairing each person with a mentor to learn different aspects of film e.g. writing, filming, and producing. Two of the apprentices have now found work at their original placements and others have since broken into the film industry.

Tom Norton, Manager of the the WM Producers' Forum said:

"The evolution of the Forum during the last year precipitated the evolution of a real film making community for independent producers in the West Midlands. To be part of that made us exceptionally proud. With continued support of regional organisations and with the dedication of our members to drive the Forum forward, we are truly excited about the huge potential for the West Midlands film industry in the future"

Now, in 2007 they would like to become more self-sufficient as an organisation. In order to achieve this they are looking to become a limited company, branching out into corporate sponsorship. However, their focus is still very much geared toward helping their members- there will be a residential business school, apprenticeship schemes and a minimum of four industry events during the year.

One of there many events ‘Co- Production Seminar’ will be taking part on Wednesday 21st march which will give independent producers another option on how to raise finance for their films. For more information go www.producersforum.org.uk