Drama Village celebrates tenth anniversary with Doctors special.
Birmingham’s BBC Drama Village are this week celebrating ten years of creating top quality daytime drama with an hour-long special episode of BBC One soap, Doctors.
Not only is the Drama Village celebrating their tenth anniversary but they’re also marking the milestone of producing 3,000 episodes of the daytime favourite.
The episode, which airs on Thursday 10 at 1.45pm, was filmed earlier this year in Birmingham city centre hot spots like The National Sea Life Centre, Brindley Place and Centenary Square.
Doctors’ executive producer Mike Hobson said: “This is our homage to Birmingham, to say thank you for last 15 years since the show started.
“We wanted to set it in the heart of the city. It’s an exciting climax to a hard-hitting storyline. They are our biggest scenes yet, involving more than 200 people including dhol players and Bhangra dancers.”
Drama has always been part of the DNA of BBC Birmingham and the Drama Village in Selly Oak, continues this tradition.
Will Trotter, head of daytime Drama at The Drama Village, says he’s delighted with the Drama Village’s success over the years. “We at the Drama Village produce nearly 130 hours of programming every year, including Father Brown which has seen global success; WPC 56 which returned for a third series earlier this year, and our latest commission – The Coroner is set to be on screens early next year. Not to forget our classics episodes of Dalziel & Pascoe and The Afternoon Play Series.”
Set on the grounds of the University of Birmingham, The Drama Village employs well over 100 people.
Will added, “By being based at the University, we’re always looking at ways of working together, with filming locations, workshops, mentoring and work placements.
“Doctors in particular is somewhat of a training ground for new talent both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Many writers, directors and performers have their first break in TV drama through this unit including Hollywood stars Eddie Redmayne and Emilia Clarke. I’m proud to say that the Drama Village has become a gateway for young talent to hone their skills, craft and creativity. It’s great for the Midlands.”
