Transmission TX & the Midlands: The UK’s Next Creative Powerhouse

The Midlands has been a bustling hub for the TV and Film industry since the 1950s, and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon! With multi-million-pound investments flooding into the region, the Midlands is quickly becoming the destination for world-class productions.

So why wouldn’t you want to make your next production there?

Having opened our Midlands base in early 2024, Transmission TX, with over 35 years of experience (across Europe and the UK), and over 25 of those in the Midlands region, are proud to offer continued support for the next wave of iconic productions coming out of the Midlands with our expert know-how.

Between our London office (at the world-famous Shepperton Studios) and our new Midlands hub, TX is perfectly placed to provide whatever you need to get your production off the ground when shooting in and around the UK, be it Production Support, Drama facilities, specialist Camera setups, Equipment Hire or knowledgeable crew.

Why the Midlands?

• Landmark BBC Investment: Forecast to bring over £282 million in economic growth by 2031; productions like Silent Witness and MasterChef now call Birmingham’s creative hotspot home, with the BBC relocating its regional hub to the Tea Factory in Digbeth.
• High Quality, High-Profile: Upcoming dramas like Steven Knight’s This Town and hit comedies like Man Like Mobeen are showcasing local talent and stories.
• Industry Growth: Companies like Banijay’s Kudos Knight and Spun Gold are establishing regional bases, fueling a thriving ecosystem of creative professionals and businesses, while the BFI’s National Lottery Skills Fund will be topped up with more than £1.6 million in funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
• Local Talent: The Midlands boasts award-winning crews across categories including; Camera, Sound, Lighting, ADs, Line Producers, Wardrobe, and Make-up. Talented professionals are right on your doorstep!

Why Transmission TX?

As the region thrives, so do the demands for technical know-how, cutting-edge production support and reliability. Transmission TX strives to continue offering top-tier support to productions as we always do:

• Cameras and Unit Equipment Hire: From generic filming units, PTZ and Minicams, or Extreme Camera Rigs, we can provide cutting-edge options for those dynamic shots.

• Lighting Solutions: from Simple to Advanced setups, to Power Generation can all be tailored to your production’s needs.

• Audio Expertise: We hear you, and have been providing pristine sound solutions, be it regular or bespoke setups, to bolster rich storytelling for over 20 years.

• Local Crewing: Access to some amazingly talented individuals, both local and knowledgeable; large numbers of which were introduced to the world of TV Drama by TX, who have utilised over two decades as part of the Drama Village in Birmingham to blood and develop new talent alongside accomplished veterans of the industry.

• Drama Experts: Providing full production support to BBC Doctors for its entirety, as well as providing Kit and Crew to other renowned period dramas in the area including the ever-popular dramas Father Brown, Shakespeare & Hathaway, Sister Boniface and so much more!

• See the full picture in 360 (or 3D): Let us bring your production to life. As one of the European leaders in 360-degree video, as well as pioneering 3D footage capture, plus stitching and presentation; TX are always thinking outside the box. Helping to bring innovative ideas to life and produce something truly magical, with a wide-range of developed applications under our belt, we help you create truly-immersive experiences.

• Something a little different: Software Development, 3D Scanning & AI. We embrace emerging technologies, including AI, Virtual and Augmented Reality, exploring the capabilities of 3D Scanning/LiDAR and its uses within the TV & Film sector, as well as a multitude of other sectors and a range of presentation mediums.

 

We’re more than just a hire company, we’re your new favourite production partner!

Let’s Create Together!

Whether you’re filming the next big drama or a high-octane thriller, we’re here to help you achieve your vision and bring it to life on screen – no matter the size.

Ready to be part of the Midlands media revolution? Contact Transmission TX today to discover how we can support your project in this thriving creative hub.

Together, we’ll create something extraordinary!

Greener Productions: How Transmission TX Drives Sustainable Filmmaking in the Midlands

At Transmission TX, we believe that great storytelling doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. From our base in Stratford-upon-Avon, we are proud to lead the charge in eco-friendly production practices, helping filmmakers in the Midlands craft exceptional stories while minimizing their environmental footprint.

Currently, we’re supporting BBC Studios with cutting-edge low-energy lighting and power solutions for a drama series filmed in the region. Proof that sustainability and creativity can shine together!

Pioneering Low-Impact Technologies

To help reduce on-set energy use, we’ve supplied the latest Wattmann Power Pack battery systems and Luminaires low-energy lamps. These innovative tools not only cut carbon emissions but also enhance production efficiency with dependable, eco-conscious power. For example, productions using Wattmann systems have reported energy savings of up to 40%, setting a new standard for green filmmaking.

A Sustainable Advantage in the Midlands

Our location in Stratford-upon-Avon offers a dual benefit: reducing the emissions associated with long-distance equipment transport and fostering the Midlands’ growing creative economy. By hiring locally, productions save on fuel, cut vehicle emissions, and contribute to the sustainability of both the environment and the region’s creative industry.

Shaping the Future of Filmmaking

We’re thrilled to see a rising wave of filmmakers embracing sustainable practices, and Transmission TX is here to support them every step of the way. With over 20 years of experience in the Midlands, we bring unmatched local expertise and innovative technology to every project.

Let’s Illuminate Responsibly

Looking to make your next project greener? Contact Transmission TX today to explore our eco-friendly equipment options. Together, we can craft remarkable stories while protecting the planet for future generations.

Let’s lead the way in sustainable storytelling—one production at a time.

Michelob Ultra Lap of Legends

Most people never meet their heroes. Logan Sargeant gets to race his. Michelob ULTRA Lap of Legends is a real race. On a real track. Between Williams Racing’s current driver, Logan Sargeant, and six legendary champions.

Brought back to the track as virtual avatars. All powered by artificial intelligence.

Silverstone without the cars? Filming at Silverstone is always fantastic, but this shoot was VERY different. TX had the challenge of filming a race at Silverstone where most of the cars only existed in the virtual world.

We simultaneously supplied multiple crewed camera units around the track to merge real-world pictures with real-time generated overlays from Mo-sys tracking systems. Our long-range wireless links fed live imagery of the virtual race back to video village for the even bigger challenge faced by the post production team.

 

See the final output below, a fantastic video showing how we can push the boat out blending these emerging technologies such as; AI and mixed reality with real-life footage:

Springwatch 2024

Another fantastic year for BBC Springwatch. Our remote controlled cameras again provided close-up shots of the flora and fauna. Operators love the smooth control and robust power and data solutions makes our systems a solid choice for live action on this annual event.

TX supply a wide variety of remote camera systems, including 4K, long-distance fibre-optic links as well as wireless and even satellite connectivity. We’ve supplied remote cameras everywhere from the summit of Everest to under the sea, with experienced crew who provided solutions to difficult challenges.

Introducing canScan a 3D Scanning Service

Introducing canScan by Transmission TX. A service to capture your assets, locations and sets and deliver them as 3D assets for use in a virtual environment such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

Captured 3D Models can be uploaded to 3D model viewing websites, imported into GDE’s, CAD packages, for further analysis, comparison against original construction/plans, the possibilities are near-endless!

 

Visit the canScan page to find out more or Contact us today to discuss your requirements and the possibilities that can be achieved with the canScan service!

TX expands base to keep providing Camera Facilities to the Midlands

Midlands Drama & Camera Facilities by Transmission TX

Transmission TX have expanded their base in the Midlands, relocating from Selly Oak, Birmingham to our new office and kit store in Stratford-upon-Avon, helping us better serve the area and keep providing Drama Facilities.

We still provide drama units, camera kit, facilities, lighting, sound, grip and power to productions all across the UK so contact TX today, and let us quote to kit out your next production. Experienced and helpful crew also available, as required.

From getting Teletubbies up and running in the 1990’s to helping to make Period Drama ‘Father Brown’ the BBC’s biggest earner in terms of revenue generated from a BBC Drama.

From Fixed rig cameras to more specialist systems, we have done it all. With decades of experience in TV Drama, use Transmission TX for your next project and get more than just kit delivered to your front doorstep.

VR Experience In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats wins at VR Awards

Another fantastic VR experience from East City Films, ‘In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats ‘ scoops the Best Location Based Experience at the VR Awards.  Congratulations to all those involved. TX are proud to have been involved with this project, providing the team and equipment to shoot VR video, fly drones and provide motion control rigs.

Winner of IDFA’s DocLab Award for Immersive Non-Fiction, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats is a visceral, ecstatic ode to a time when what mattered most was chasing that next dance-floor high.

“Akin to a time machine – or at least the closest thing we have to one so far … Surrounds you with sound, senses and the thrill of being young.” – Why Now

Read the full article on the WhyNow website: https://whynow.co.uk/read/coventry-acid-house-exhibition

Read more at the Melbourne International Film Festival website: https://miff.com.au/program/film/in-pursuit-of-repetitive-beats#:~:text=Winner%20of%20IDFA’s%20DocLab%20Award,that%20next%20dance%2Dfloor%20high.

Watch the trailer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/xvAWT0MuQ-0?rel=0&autoplay=0

BBC Doctors comes to an end after 23 years, 24 seasons

It is unfortunate news to many, that the long-running and hugely popular daytime TV drama BBC Doctors has not been renewed by the BBC after 23 years. On 18th October the BBC has confirmed Doctors will not be renewed for 2024, citing “super inflation in drama production”.

 

With over 4,500 episodes shot and produced to date, and Transmission TX are immensely proud to be a part of this long running drama, providing Crew, Equipment and Vehicles for every season since it started in 2000.

 

We have always seen BBC Doctors as a proving ground for hopeful Technical crew (Camera, Sound and Electricians amongst others) as well as many other departments, to ‘cut their teeth’, giving them a chance to work on a television set, whilst learning the ropes and getting vital experience for future roles on other productions in their careers.

Shadowing also allowed many an eager trainee to experience the thrill and drama of being part of a technical crew while learning essential skills and set etiquette.

 

Understandably, this has raised a number of queries and concern from many people and sectors in the Midlands, and how axing BBC Doctors will affect the jobs and livelihoods of many in and around the Drama Village at Selly Oak in Birmingham.

 

You can read the BBC press release statement here: https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/statements/doctors

 

There have been a number of petitions setup, the most popular currently setup by the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain who have vocally criticised this decision. You can show your support and try to save the show by signing one of these petitions, the most active currently being the one set up by the WGGB:

You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/stop-doctors-from-being-cancelled

Read the Writer’s Guild statement here: https://writersguild.org.uk/wggb_campaigns/save-bbc-doctors/

Read the article from the BBC regarding Doctors here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-67133791

 

As well as decades of experience in the TV and Film industry. TX have a number of Drama Units for hire (Single and Double Cameras), Camera/Sound and Lighting vehicles and experienced crew.

 

Contact us to discuss how we can assist your next project, and help continue giving opportunities to the highly-skilled crews, based in the Midlands.

Three New VR Films launch at The Illinois Holocaust Museum

Education via VR Film – TX are incredibly proud to have to have helped create this set of powerful Virtual Reality films for East City Films for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Centre in Skokie, Illinois, USA.

These three films tell the stories of three incredible women: Rodi, Doris and Marion. Each of whom tells their personal story of how they survived the holocaust with the odds stacked against them.

Each of their stories are remarkable and it was a real honour to help tell them.

TX provided a complete solution of VR cameras, specialised grip, lighting and drones, together with the crew to make the shots possible.

 

Find out more about this Exhibit on the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Centre website:

https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/exhibitions/virtual-reality-film-experience-letters-from-drancy/

 

Read more about this VR Film project on East City Films website and Blog:

https://eastcityfilms.com/blog/illinois-holocaust-museum-collaboration

https://eastcityfilms.com/ihmec

 

Virtual Reality Experience at South by Southwest Festival 2023

If you’re headed to South by Southwest Festival 2023 (SXSW) next month be sure to check out ‘In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats’ an interactive virtual reality experience by award-winning filmmaker Darren Emerson, produced by East City Films.

We shot the 360 element and can’t wait for you all to watch it!

 

TX provided 360-degree Cameras, Lighting, Grip, Sound and Crew.

 

For more info about this Virtual Reality experience, check out – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2023/films/2078864

Read about this particular VR project more on East City Films site: https://eastcityfilms.com/inpursuitofrepetitivebeats