The group will now embark on a 6-month programme of initiatives to help them clarify their vision and gain sector specific knowledge in a group of likeminded peers. The West Midlands Create Growth Programme is funded by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and delivered by Creative UK in partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority and Create Central.
Bertz Associates
Bertz Associates was set up in January 2020 with an aim of growing slowly and organically into an
organisation that worked interculturally, with emerging talent, to produce high quality projects. We grew organically but not slowly, the pandemic proved to be our crucible, we had to limit our output to digital storytelling, while other projects had to go on the back burner. We applied for funding for a first collaborative digital arts project and were successful and our story started. We used digital media to find stories about our local venue, The Tower Ballroom and commissioned artist to respond to the memories. From there our unique approach was born, collaborative super diverse teams producing projects that work with history to dream futures. Our next project led us straight into film, we commissioned a short film as call out for memories of the Tower. We have also produced a community digital storytelling project with over 40 participants of all ages in lockdown. Since 2021 we have produced 4 films, with another one currently in production and a fifth one commissioned, telling the stories of communities in Birmingham. We now want to build on this success to make the organisation sustainable, national and international.
Website: www.bertzassociates.net
Black Ivy Design
At Black Ivy Design, we design the interior for commercial properties. Unlike any other interior
design studio, we are design focused and devote time researching and developing the ideal target
market the client want to attract. We then develop our designs based on how we can increase profit
margins for our clients by attracting these customers, retaining them and keep them coming back therefore increasing revenue. We design primarily and are building and structuring the company so we can offer design and build, a turnkey solution.
Website: www.blacivydesign.co.uk
Diiv Ltd
Immersive tech and content developer founded by two veterans with extensive experience in
Gaming, VR/MR. We vision to craft immersive content & services that guide humanity to live a
valuable and entertaining virtual life beyond their real life.
Website: https://www.diiv.uk/
Bertz Associates
Bertz Associates was set up in January 2020 with an aim of growing slowly and organically into an
organisation that worked interculturally, with emerging talent, to produce high quality projects. We grew organically but not slowly, the pandemic proved to be our crucible, we had to limit our output to digital storytelling, while other projects had to go on the back burner. We applied for funding for a first collaborative digital arts project and were successful and our story started. We used digital media to find stories about our local venue, The Tower Ballroom and commissioned artist to respond to the memories. From there our unique approach was born, collaborative super diverse teams producing projects that work with history to dream futures. Our next project led us straight into film, we commissioned a short film as call out for memories of the Tower. We have also produced a community digital storytelling project with over 40 participants of all ages in lockdown. Since 2021 we have produced 4 films, with another one currently in production and a fifth one commissioned, telling the stories of communities in Birmingham. We now want to build on this success to make the organisation sustainable, national and international.
Website: www.bertzassociates.net
Black Ivy Design
At Black Ivy Design, we design the interior for commercial properties. Unlike any other interior
design studio, we are design focused and devote time researching and developing the ideal target
market the client want to attract. We then develop our designs based on how we can increase profit
margins for our clients by attracting these customers, retaining them and keep them coming back therefore increasing revenue. We design primarily and are building and structuring the company so we can offer design and build, a turnkey solution.
Website: www.blacivydesign.co.uk
Diiv Ltd
Immersive tech and content developer founded by two veterans with extensive experience in
Gaming, VR/MR. We vision to craft immersive content & services that guide humanity to live a
valuable and entertaining virtual life beyond their real life.
Website: https://www.diiv.uk/
Extraordinary Us CIC
Founded by Coventry born and bred artist Paul O’Donnell (Creative Director) Extraordinary Us aims to find the extra in ordinary and make a fuss out of us. The organisation raises questions about what we call ‘significant’ and why, whilst taking inspiration from the people we choose to celebrate, the reasons why we celebrate them and how we choose to do so. Let’s together use those reasons to champion those who are currently un-championed. Extraordinary Us is proudly based in the West Midlands, supporting the creative talent that this thriving region has in abundance. The organisation will continuously seek developmental opportunities for creatives at all levels of their careers to ensure that the West Midlands is culturally TWO kick ball changes ahead of the rest of this grand disco ball we call ‘Earth’.
Website: www.extraordinaryus.co.uk
Good Afternoon
A boutique creative agency for experiential design and advisory services. We provide consultancy,
curation, creative direction and production support for cultural institutions and culturally engaged
brands.
Website: https://goodafternoon.uk
Handshake Media
Handshake media is a Createch Company based in Birmingham involved in film production and
distribution services.
Website: www.handshakemedia.co
Extraordinary Us CIC
Founded by Coventry born and bred artist Paul O’Donnell (Creative Director) Extraordinary Us aims to find the extra in ordinary and make a fuss out of us. The organisation raises questions about what we call ‘significant’ and why, whilst taking inspiration from the people we choose to celebrate, the reasons why we celebrate them and how we choose to do so. Let’s together use those reasons to champion those who are currently un-championed. Extraordinary Us is proudly based in the West Midlands, supporting the creative talent that this thriving region has in abundance. The organisation will continuously seek developmental opportunities for creatives at all levels of their careers to ensure that the West Midlands is culturally TWO kick ball changes ahead of the rest of this grand disco ball we call ‘Earth’.
Website: www.extraordinaryus.co.uk
Good Afternoon
A boutique creative agency for experiential design and advisory services. We provide consultancy,
curation, creative direction and production support for cultural institutions and culturally engaged
brands.
Website: https://goodafternoon.uk
Handshake Media
Handshake media is a Createch Company based in Birmingham involved in film production and
distribution services.
Website: www.handshakemedia.co
In2Colour Limited
In2Colour is a micro company with one director, Rachel Hawkins. In2Colour is all about creativity
through art & craft experiences for all ages. Regular adult Art & craft sessions take place in Aldridge once a month, Rachel supports Ingestry Arts residential for schools in the West Midlands and runs art projects for organisations: care homes and schools. In2Colour art experiences improve wellbeing, as a group or for individuals. As an experienced teacher of 30 years, Rachel has the knowledge and enthusiasm to support all ages with their creations using a wide variety of Art techniques.
Website: www.in2colour.co.uk
Josh’s Club / Alibi TV
Named after our son Josh, we are a social enterprise providing filmmaking and video game design training for young people with Autism and ADHD. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities to learn these skills, we set up our own tech-based autism youth club. Whilst the primary focus is to teach young people with additional needs how to make videos and computer games, the club also develops social skills and encourages friendships. We are just at the beginning of this journey but one day we hope to have a Josh’s Club in every city. Our ultimate aim is to establish a national
training hub, where young people like Josh, many of whom have a flair for tech, can learn the skills
to be the content creators of the future.
Website: www.joshsclub.co.uk
KT Consent CIC
KT Consent CIC specialise in developing educational resources around consent and healthy
relationships for schools and colleges. Presently, they are spearheading ‘Seeing In Colour’, a project
supported by Innovate UK. This initiative utilises high quality film and TV drama content as fictional
case studies with the aim of enhancing critical thinking skills and emotional literacy among young
people as they transition into adulthood.
Website: ktconsent.co.uk/
In2Colour Limited
In2Colour is a micro company with one director, Rachel Hawkins. In2Colour is all about creativity
through art & craft experiences for all ages. Regular adult Art & craft sessions take place in Aldridge once a month, Rachel supports Ingestry Arts residential for schools in the West Midlands and runs art projects for organisations: care homes and schools. In2Colour art experiences improve wellbeing, as a group or for individuals. As an experienced teacher of 30 years, Rachel has the knowledge and enthusiasm to support all ages with their creations using a wide variety of Art techniques.
Website: www.in2colour.co.uk
Josh’s Club / Alibi TV
Named after our son Josh, we are a social enterprise providing filmmaking and video game design training for young people with Autism and ADHD. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities to learn these skills, we set up our own tech-based autism youth club. Whilst the primary focus is to teach young people with additional needs how to make videos and computer games, the club also develops social skills and encourages friendships. We are just at the beginning of this journey but one day we hope to have a Josh’s Club in every city. Our ultimate aim is to establish a national
training hub, where young people like Josh, many of whom have a flair for tech, can learn the skills
to be the content creators of the future.
Website: www.joshsclub.co.uk
KT Consent CIC
KT Consent CIC specialise in developing educational resources around consent and healthy
relationships for schools and colleges. Presently, they are spearheading ‘Seeing In Colour’, a project
supported by Innovate UK. This initiative utilises high quality film and TV drama content as fictional
case studies with the aim of enhancing critical thinking skills and emotional literacy among young
people as they transition into adulthood.
Website: ktconsent.co.uk/
Lark Design Studio
Lark is a branding and design studio working with organisations to define new brands and develop
existing ones. Whether looking to reach a new audience or delight a current one, we like working
with people who understand the power of creativity.
Website: www.larkdesign.co.uk/
LME Pictures
LME Pictures is an independent production powerhouse, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives across scripted and non-scripted film and television. With a passion for storytelling at our core, we bring a unique blend of creativity and expertise to every project we undertake. From thought-provoking dramas to gripping documentaries, LME Pictures strives to deliver high-quality content that resonates with audiences nationwide and globally. Our commitment to excellence drives us to push boundaries and explore new horizons in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.
Website: www.lmepictures.com
Maona Art
Maona is an organization founded by Tatenda Jamera, a filmmaker and curator, in response to the lack of authentic African stories being exhibited on the big screen. The name “Maona,” meaning “you have seen” in the Shona language from Zimbabwe, reflects the organization’s passion for allowing others to see and experience African stories through film and art. Through carefully curated programmes, our vision is to see African cinema being consistently screened in cinemas and bespoke spaces within the United Kingdom and worldwide. Alongside a long-term vision of establishing our own cinema, we will also produce films and develop a co-production model that will see quality productions being birthed out of Africa and the diaspora. This approach will contribute to the representation and accessibility of African culture and heritage in the film industry. We understand that there is a demand for people to experience African culture through the medium of film and cinema. Our priority is that our audience find a space and a place where they can come and indulge in the richness of African culture and heritage. We are confident that Maona will be a place where one will get to experience, appreciate, and value this vibrant culture.
Website: www.maona.art
Lark Design Studio
Lark is a branding and design studio working with organisations to define new brands and develop
existing ones. Whether looking to reach a new audience or delight a current one, we like working
with people who understand the power of creativity.
Website: www.larkdesign.co.uk/
LME Pictures
LME Pictures is an independent production powerhouse, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives across scripted and non-scripted film and television. With a passion for storytelling at our core, we bring a unique blend of creativity and expertise to every project we undertake. From thought-provoking dramas to gripping documentaries, LME Pictures strives to deliver high-quality content that resonates with audiences nationwide and globally. Our commitment to excellence drives us to push boundaries and explore new horizons in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.
Website: www.lmepictures.com
Maona Art
Maona is an organization founded by Tatenda Jamera, a filmmaker and curator, in response to the lack of authentic African stories being exhibited on the big screen. The name “Maona,” meaning “you have seen” in the Shona language from Zimbabwe, reflects the organization’s passion for allowing others to see and experience African stories through film and art. Through carefully curated programmes, our vision is to see African cinema being consistently screened in cinemas and bespoke spaces within the United Kingdom and worldwide. Alongside a long-term vision of establishing our own cinema, we will also produce films and develop a co-production model that will see quality productions being birthed out of Africa and the diaspora. This approach will contribute to the representation and accessibility of African culture and heritage in the film industry. We understand that there is a demand for people to experience African culture through the medium of film and cinema. Our priority is that our audience find a space and a place where they can come and indulge in the richness of African culture and heritage. We are confident that Maona will be a place where one will get to experience, appreciate, and value this vibrant culture.
Website: www.maona.art
Masquerading Ltd
Masquerading ™️ is THE Social Fiction Community ™️ for Cosplayers and people who like to be in
character, in costume and follow events!
Website: masquerading.com/en/
MIXD Reality
MIXD Reality is a dedicated provider of interactive Augmented Reality (AR) learning experiences. They are the creators of the UK’s first inclusive AR storybook, an award-winning children’s book that fuses the real and virtual worlds. MIXD Reality can take any illustrated book and convert it into an AR experience including an accompanying app. MIXD Reality works with publishers and authors and prioritises doing work that consciously, systemically, and sustainably changes the landscape of learning. With reading for pleasure on the decline, MIXD Reality have developed an innovative solution that will keep the pages turning – by creating a system that will bring augmented reality literature to all at an accessible price. Their mission is to revolutionalize education by where students feel empowered and supported through immersive learning.
Website: www.mixd-reality.com
NIA XR / Flowers For Moody People
Nia XR’s heritage (FFMP) lies in abstract botanical photography, a signature style which aimed to capture emotion and motion in a single frame. Flash forward to the present day, NiaXR has evolved, we now capture emotion and motion at 24fps via realtime filmmaking methodologies blended with a fine art sensibility, while embracing carefully selected virtual reality outlets based on inclusivity and accessibility. Highlights/recognition to date include: ArtBasel Miami (2021), Affordable Art Fair (Battersea), Arts Council England DYCP recipient (2022), Edition365 Award: BJP, Longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize 2023, EPIC (Unreal Engine) Animation Bootcamp 2023, MIT AI of Filmmaking Hackathon 2024, VERVE Poetry Festival 2024 and Flatpack Festival 2024.
Website: levesque.co.uk
Masquerading Ltd
Masquerading ™️ is THE Social Fiction Community ™️ for Cosplayers and people who like to be in
character, in costume and follow events!
Website: masquerading.com/en/
MIXD Reality
MIXD Reality is a dedicated provider of interactive Augmented Reality (AR) learning experiences. They are the creators of the UK’s first inclusive AR storybook, an award-winning children’s book that fuses the real and virtual worlds. MIXD Reality can take any illustrated book and convert it into an AR experience including an accompanying app. MIXD Reality works with publishers and authors and prioritises doing work that consciously, systemically, and sustainably changes the landscape of learning. With reading for pleasure on the decline, MIXD Reality have developed an innovative solution that will keep the pages turning – by creating a system that will bring augmented reality literature to all at an accessible price. Their mission is to revolutionalize education by where students feel empowered and supported through immersive learning.
Website: www.mixd-reality.com
NIA XR / Flowers For Moody People
Nia XR’s heritage (FFMP) lies in abstract botanical photography, a signature style which aimed to capture emotion and motion in a single frame. Flash forward to the present day, NiaXR has evolved, we now capture emotion and motion at 24fps via realtime filmmaking methodologies blended with a fine art sensibility, while embracing carefully selected virtual reality outlets based on inclusivity and accessibility. Highlights/recognition to date include: ArtBasel Miami (2021), Affordable Art Fair (Battersea), Arts Council England DYCP recipient (2022), Edition365 Award: BJP, Longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize 2023, EPIC (Unreal Engine) Animation Bootcamp 2023, MIT AI of Filmmaking Hackathon 2024, VERVE Poetry Festival 2024 and Flatpack Festival 2024.
Website: levesque.co.uk
ThrO’backs by Nique
Experience the bliss of all-day comfort with Thro’backs. The innovative clog sandal- with changeable straps.
Website: www.niqueforde.com
Powered by CAN
Powered by CAN empowers children, young people, and young adults to make positive changes to their lives, helping them to achieve their individual goals through engagement and participation. We’re a responsive organisation, reacting and developing to meet the needs of children, young people, and young adults using our rights based approach: right time, right place, right space, right price, and right style. Our activities kick-start personal and social development through Arts and Culture, Employment and Enterprise, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Physical Activity, and Play. We
work in partnership with and support external organisations to deliver projects through youth-centred practice.
Website: www.poweredbycan.org
Radman TV
A media company focused on helping businesses motivate potential customers to action through
visual content.
Website: www.radmantv.co.uk
ThrO’backs by Nique
Experience the bliss of all-day comfort with Thro’backs. The innovative clog sandal- with changeable straps.
Website: www.niqueforde.com
Powered by CAN
Powered by CAN empowers children, young people, and young adults to make positive changes to their lives, helping them to achieve their individual goals through engagement and participation. We’re a responsive organisation, reacting and developing to meet the needs of children, young people, and young adults using our rights based approach: right time, right place, right space, right price, and right style. Our activities kick-start personal and social development through Arts and Culture, Employment and Enterprise, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Physical Activity, and Play. We
work in partnership with and support external organisations to deliver projects through youth-centred practice.
Website: www.poweredbycan.org
Radman TV
A media company focused on helping businesses motivate potential customers to action through
visual content.
Website: www.radmantv.co.uk
Rooscreen Ltd
Rooscreen is a Midlands based production company with over 30 years experience in TV and film, in a range of genres. Our philosophy: to make brilliant films with lovely people. We centre values-based filmmaking, with social impact at its core – both in front and behind the camera. We’re interested in inclusive stories that educate and entertain, stories that are told with honesty, sensitivity, and humour. Along the way, we nurture new and emerging talent, and help to make changes so the industry works for everyone.
Website: www.rooscreen.co.uk
Rooted Fundamentals
Rooted Fundamentals Ltd is an event production and creative/strategic consultancy agency. focused
on Events as a marketing tool. Our mission is to craft memorable experiences for creative brands
and individuals, blending strategic brilliance with creative execution.
Website: www.rootedfundamentals.com
Super Digital Limited
We are Super Digital. A full service digital agency based in the heart of the UK. Do you need help
getting your website into better shape or making your business more visible online? You need the
digital marketing superheroes.
Website: wearesuper.digital/
Rooscreen Ltd
Rooscreen is a Midlands based production company with over 30 years experience in TV and film, in a range of genres. Our philosophy: to make brilliant films with lovely people. We centre values-based filmmaking, with social impact at its core – both in front and behind the camera. We’re interested in inclusive stories that educate and entertain, stories that are told with honesty, sensitivity, and humour. Along the way, we nurture new and emerging talent, and help to make changes so the industry works for everyone.
Website: www.rooscreen.co.uk
Rooted Fundamentals
Rooted Fundamentals Ltd is an event production and creative/strategic consultancy agency. focused
on Events as a marketing tool. Our mission is to craft memorable experiences for creative brands
and individuals, blending strategic brilliance with creative execution.
Website: www.rootedfundamentals.com
Super Digital Limited
We are Super Digital. A full service digital agency based in the heart of the UK. Do you need help
getting your website into better shape or making your business more visible online? You need the
digital marketing superheroes.
Website: wearesuper.digital/
ToBeBookFair
We are a social enterprise children’s book retailer looking to shake up the industry an do thing
differently. We are aiming to take market share by leveraging technology and creativity.
Website: www.tobebookfair.org
Transition Stage Company
Transition Stage Company is an award-winning dynamic production powerhouse specializing in
events, film, and factual entertainment. We curate captivating film content and experiences,
spotlighting talented writers and storytellers through innovative events and galas. Our business conferences for storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives demystify intellectual property and
monetization, ensuring opportunities for all screen disciplines. Meanwhile, our esteemed
development department mentors writers for screen and stage, aiming to discover outstanding
universal stories for our slate, destined for broadcast and monetization. Committed to excellence, we reshape entertainment by amplifying diverse narratives and pushing creative boundaries.
Website: transitionstagecompany.com/
XR Digital Visions
XR Digital Visions specialises in creating and providing Immersive and Interactive Virtual Reality & CGI content. We target various sectors including Education, Automotive, Arts Culture & Heritage, Architecture, Tourism and Retail. Whether you are a Designer, a Business or an Educator we can help
transform your ideas into digital experiences.
Website: www.xrdigitalvisions.com/
ToBeBookFair
We are a social enterprise children’s book retailer looking to shake up the industry an do thing
differently. We are aiming to take market share by leveraging technology and creativity.
Website: www.tobebookfair.org
Transition Stage Company
Transition Stage Company is an award-winning dynamic production powerhouse specializing in
events, film, and factual entertainment. We curate captivating film content and experiences,
spotlighting talented writers and storytellers through innovative events and galas. Our business conferences for storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives demystify intellectual property and
monetization, ensuring opportunities for all screen disciplines. Meanwhile, our esteemed
development department mentors writers for screen and stage, aiming to discover outstanding
universal stories for our slate, destined for broadcast and monetization. Committed to excellence, we reshape entertainment by amplifying diverse narratives and pushing creative boundaries.
Website: transitionstagecompany.com/
XR Digital Visions
XR Digital Visions specialises in creating and providing Immersive and Interactive Virtual Reality & CGI content. We target various sectors including Education, Automotive, Arts Culture & Heritage, Architecture, Tourism and Retail. Whether you are a Designer, a Business or an Educator we can help
transform your ideas into digital experiences.
Website: www.xrdigitalvisions.com/
Zedmill
Birmingham-based video and film production company specialising in character-driven branded
stories across online, social, and film.
Website: zedmill.com/
Zedmill
Birmingham-based video and film production company specialising in character-driven branded
stories across online, social, and film.
Website: zedmill.com/