On 23 February, the Commonwealth Connect Forum convened industry leaders for a timely conversation on 'The Sports Economy of the Future: Innovation and New Emerging Sports and Formats', exploring how emerging sports, esports, and new league structures are redefining commercial growth across India and the UK. The session examined how innovative sporting formats are attracting sponsorship investment, expanding global audiences, and creating new economic opportunities, while also spotlighting the growing role of esports within the Commonwealth ecosystem and the evolving collaboration between India and the UK. A key focus was the rapid internationalisation of kabaddi, with insights into its growing footprint in the West Midlands, the region’s role in hosting the Kabaddi World Cup 2025, and the emergence of new professional leagues in the UK, signalling how traditional sports can find global resonance through strategic innovation. The discussion featured perspectives from: - Arvinder Singh, COO, Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) - Prem Singh Bhart, CEO, Indian Premier Kabaddi League / Commonwealth Kabaddi Festival (@ProKabaddi) - Ed Shedd, Chair, Create Central (@CreateCentralUK) As India and the UK strengthen ties across sport, culture, and the creative economy, the session reinforced the role of sport as a powerful platform for cross-border collaboration, innovation, and long-term economic value creation. 🔗 Follow @IGFupdates for more. #CommonwealthConnectForum #SportsEconomy #IndiaUKPartnership #EmergingSports #FutureOfSport #IndiaGlobalForum

We need more black actors in our period dramas!

That doesn't seem like very much. The bbc has a budget of £6 billion.

@UKScreenSkills, @BFI, @Film_London, @filminengland, @screenscots, @NIScreen, @CreativeWales, @ScreenAllianceW, @CreateCentralUK, @sgilcymrucyf, @FilmTVCharity

Massive thank you to our friends who joined us, including Dominque Unsworth (Resource Productions, @screenberks); Isabel Davis (@screenscots); Jane Coulter (All Set West/@BrisFilmOffice); Penny Hall (Screen Alliance North); Sarah Wood (@CreateCentralUK); Nikhil Raj (@Film_London)

Day 3 - DONE ✔️ Big up to @Arena_Theatre for being such awesome hosts! As well as @CreateCentralUK in the house with some networking to kick it all off 👑 An evening of local films, truly showcasing some of the best from the West Midlands🍿 Back again tomorrow we go 😎

📢 Calling all #WestMidlands based crew! Are you signed up to our free crew directory? We're working with @CreateCentralUK to ensure that you receive updates on production opportunities across the region. Register or update your profile for free today: hubs.ly/Q0399s5G0

#TheBigCreativeUKSummit 2025 @cukwestmidlands @WeAreCreativeUK host @TVMarv The Bond @indigbeth Pitches @IUK_Connect @innovates & panel discussions @Lifted_Ventures @CreateCentralUK @WinTradeGlobal @RichParkerLab @CarolineNorbury

TV Production began yesterday @WestMids_CA @SolihullCollege with masterclasses & workshops. Thanks to Matt Prentice, Caroline Officer, Sophie Jolly & team, let the magic begin here’s to 5th anniversary of @CreateCentralUK

📅✨ Save the date - #DigitalCultureTalks - 12 & 13 Feb! 🗣️ Join us for a 2 days exploring how digital tools can support innovation and creativity, express ideas and unlock talent. Register 🔗 bit.ly/SpaceDCTDay1 @MyBCU @CreateCentralUK @STEAMhouseUK and @WestMids_CA

We've updated our Ultimate Guide to Midlands Filmmaking with further info on @filmhubmidlands @networkfhm @PQALeics @CreateCentralUK @ScriptEastMids @scriptsirens @RuralMedia @NexusMidlands @ReelBrum @Journeyfilmclub @filmstories @filmmarketbrum & more! midlandsmovies.com/making-fi…

📢 West Midlands IP Fund: Narrative 🎬 A new project funding opportunity for narrative scripted and unscripted screen projects in the West Midlands region. Learn more here 🔗 hubs.ly/Q032dZqY0 Made possible by @WestMids_CA @CreateCentralUK and @wearecreativeuk

I had so much fun on the @MissionAccompUK Film and TV course today with @CreateCentralUK and @BFI thanks to all the tutors who came to share their skills including @TsReelTalk 🙌🎬🎥 #film #TV

Exciting news! @ReelBrum has unveiled their Open Door Fund, offering three £1000 grants for new and emerging filmmakers in the #WestMidlands. Deadline: Mon 13th January 2025. For more information, visit 🔗 hubs.ly/Q02_LMxn0 @CreateCentralUK @WeAreCreativeUK

Applications are open for Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up! Finalists will have the opportunity to compete for a cash prize at Venturefest West Midlands. Deadline: 6th January 2025 at 9am. Submit yours here 🔗 hubs.ly/Q02_LkB_0 @WeAreCreativeUK @WestMids_CA @CreateCentralUK

Thank you so much for sharing this, @HollyShorts have changed the time to 11am. 🙌🏽🙌🏽

Congratulations to cohort member @TSC_COMPANY whose film 'Indignitas' is heading to @HollyShorts Film Festival! Catch the dystopian sci-fi drama this Saturday 7th December at 12pm at Curzon Cinema. For more details, visit 🔗 hubs.ly/Q02ZwNf00 @CreateCentralUK

The Breakthrough On Screen Scripted Award, sponsored by @CreateCentralUK and presented by @KitdeWaal, goes to @JackGouldbourne for #sisterboniface. @bbcstudios Congrats! #rtsmidsawards

The awards will begin very soon, so follow along here. And thanks again to our great sponsors, @CreateCentralUK and @MissionAccompUK.

Just one week before our fantastic #rtsmidsawards! As a charity, we couldn't hold these events without the support of our sponsors. So a big thank you to @CreateCentralUK, sponsors of Breakthrough On Screen Scripted, and @MissionAccompUK, sponsors of Breakthrough Off Screen. 👏🏻