Bootcamp student lands top job with Peaky Blinders creator

4th December 2023

A former Solihull College & University Centre bootcamper has landed a job on a new show by Brummie Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

Sador Zerie, 24, was delighted to undertake the free TV production Skills bootcamp at Solihull College & University Centre. He’d previously completed a degree in filmmaking and had undertaken freelance work, creating music videos and filming documentaries.

He then signed up for the bootcamp, which is funded by West Midlands Combined Authority, in a bid to focus his skills and create new opportunities. Following completion of the bootcamp, Sador was offered the opportunity to work as a camera trainee on Steven Knight’s BBC drama, ‘This Town’ and then on to another show ‘Legacy’ for Apple TV.

Sador working on set on a tv show
Sador working on set

Sador commented: “Completing the TV Production Bootcamp provided by Create Central, gave me a realistic approach to entering the Film and TV industry and offered opportunities that I would otherwise most likely not be presented with while doing my freelance work. It’s been a really beneficial experience to support my career progression and the training and connections that I have made is second to none.”

He continued: “One of the great things about the bootcamp is being able to do placements – I got to work on a show for Tiger Aspect/ITVX – Deep Fake Neighbour Wars – which helped me to build up my network and get me noticed by other production companies for my skills. I would say to anyone who wants to get into TV/Film production to do things now, build up your networks, develop a good showreel, always say yes to opportunities and never be afraid of failing. I recommend joining a skills bootcamp as it will open-up a world of opportunities.”

Bootcamp Manager at Solihull College & University Centre, Sophie Jolly, commented: “Sador’s success demonstrates how the combination of incredible talent and bespoke training on our Bootcamps work together to produce stunning outcomes. Bootcamp training in Production and Skills Development paves the way for new opportunities in the creative world of production. Under the expert guidance of industry professionals and with our strong industry connections, we are actively shaping the future of this dynamic field in the West Midlands. It is an exciting place to be!”

‘This Town’ is both a high-octane thriller and a family saga set in 1981 at a time of huge social tensions and unrest. Against this backdrop, it tells the story of a group of young people fighting to choose their own paths in life, and each in need of the second chance that music offers. It is due to be aired on BBC and BBC iPlayer next year.

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