BBC Studios has announced the launch of Landed, a new drama production label based in Bristol that will be dedicated to developing ambitious and enduring series that appeal both domestically and internationally. The label will be led by Jenny van der Lande (pictured), who joins following a decade shaping some of British television’s most successful and critically acclaimed dramas.

Award-winning indie production company Brinkworth (999: Critical Condition) is launching Brinkworth West from 5th October – its new Bristol unscripted production base, which will include a brand new three-year training and mentoring programme for unscripted TV.

The University of Bristol has officially opened its first international campus in Mumbai, our fellow UNESCO City of Film, welcoming its inaugural cohort of students.

Aardman fans around the world took time out to wish a Happy Big Birthday to Bristol’s iconic, multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award winning studio on 4th September 2026, as the company marked its official half century of operations. 

Bristol’s film sector has welcomed the news that Greenlight West, a £4.5 million production fund designed to increase the quantity, range and scale of film and TV productions made in Bristol and the West of England region, is now open for applications.

Bristol’s Encounters Film Festival (23-27 September) has unveiled its 2026 programme, led by the UK premiere of Paper Plane, the directorial and screenwriting debut of Academy Award‑nominated actor Saoirse Ronan, and the English premiere of Mission, directed by Paul Wright and produced by Bristol’s own Early Day Films, with Wright and stars George MacKay and Rosy McEwen set to attend. Amongst the packed programme’s many highlights is a special creative exchange with Bristol’s fellow UNESCO City of Film, Quezon City (the Philippines).

A new 16-minute documentary tells the story of the West of England’s Citizens’ Assembly for Culture through the people who took part – and invites more people to be part of what happens next. 

Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol have signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cement the strategic partnership between Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film designation and the University’s Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences.

A new campaign and digital platform, Explore UNESCO South West Trails, has been launched by the South West of England’s 8 UNESCO sites – including Bristol City of Film.

Surviving Earth, the debut feature from writer/director Thea Gajic, arrives in UK cinemas on 24th April 2026. We take a closer look at the creative team and cultural influences behind this striking indie feature, as well as the significance of Bristol as the film’s backdrop, described by Gajic as “the city that holds the spirit of our film within its streets, culture and landmarks.”

It was our pleasure to welcome BAFTA albert to Bristol earlier this month for Bristol Production Power, a special event at Watershed presented in association with Bristol City Council’s Film Services, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and industry partners.

West of England creatives looking to step into a film/TV career behind the camera are invited to apply for a new round of All Set West Training, which is open for applications until 11th January 2026.