Championing a New Era of UK Storytelling with 52 Stone's Regional Focus

Across the UK, there’s a quiet revolution happening in how and where stories are made. While London has long been the centre of TV and film production, a wave of energy and talent is rising from the regions — and organisations like 52 Stone are leading the charge.

Based in Leicester, 52 Stone is reimagining what creative opportunity looks like outside traditional industry hubs. We believe powerful stories exist in every community — and when given the right space and support, those stories can become the next wave of bold, original British content.

The Opportunity Beyond the Capital

The UK’s screen sector contributes over £12 billion to the economy in 2022 (BFI). With investment and interest in regional growth, there’s never been a better time to build creative infrastructure outside of London. In fact, with the success of productions based in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, and Cardiff, the appetite for regional content is only increasing.

This shift isn’t about moving away from the capital — it’s about unlocking the full creative potential of the UK. It’s about creating more entry points, more local pathways, and more diverse voices in front of and behind the camera.

At 52 Stone, that’s exactly what we’re working to do.

52 Stone : A Creative Hub in the Heart of the Midlands

We are a not-for-profit production company rooted in Leicester — a vibrant, diverse city with an incredible depth of untold stories. Our mission is to support young people and early-career creatives from underrepresented communities to develop their skills, find their voices, and build careers in the screen industries.

We’re currently exploring the transformation a large industrial warehouse into a working film and community production space. It will be a home for filmmaking, learning, and collaboration — a place where young people can see their ideas come to life, where schools can access inspiring workshops, and where regional talent can connect with national opportunities.

This space isn’t just about creating content — it’s about building confidence, sparking ambition, and making sure geography is never a barrier to a career in film or television.

Why Regional Production Matters

When stories are made where they are lived, they carry a different kind of power. Regional production brings authenticity, fresh perspectives, and unique voices that resonate with local and national audiences alike. And the benefits extend far beyond the screen:

• Skills & Employment: Regional production stimulates local job creation and skills development across creative and technical roles.

• Youth Opportunity: Local access reduces the need to relocate, opening doors for young people who might otherwise be excluded.

• Community Investment: Creative spaces become hubs of civic pride, education, and economic growth.

According to Ofcom’s latest Media Nations report, investment in regional production is steadily growing — and with organisations like 52 Stone ready to activate talent and space, there’s a real opportunity to accelerate that progress.

Making the Case for 52 Stone

52 Stone is part of a wider movement that’s reshaping the creative landscape of the UK — not through competition, but through collaboration. We’re not trying to replicate London’s model in Leicester; we’re building something tailored to our community, powered by its people.

Whether through our Engage | Inspire | Grow school workshops, our hands-on film production training, or our long-term goal of running a full-scale creative hub, everything we do is rooted in accessibility, impact, and industry-standard quality.

We’re already working with schools, educators, filmmakers, and community groups — and with further support, we’re ready to scale our work to reach even more young people and help put Leicester firmly on the creative map.

A Future Built from the Ground Up

The UK’s creative industries are world-renowned not just for their output, but for their ability to evolve. As production expands across the regions, we have a powerful opportunity to reimagine who gets to tell the nation’s stories — and where those stories begin.

At 52 Stone , we’re committed to ensuring that the next generation of filmmakers, producers, writers, and technicians doesn’t have to leave home to find a place in this industry. They can build it right here.

Because the next great British story might just start in Leicester — and we’re here to help tell it.

Learn more about 52 Stone mission, programmes, and partnership opportunities at www.52stone.co.uk Together, we can build a more inclusive, exciting future for UK storytelling.