Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will be the keynote speaker at a TV drama training event being held in Birmingham.

Creative Skillset and the BBC Academy are running the ‘Get Your Next Job in TV Drama’ day of panels, networking and training sessions,  aimed at beginner and entry-level freelancers in TV drama production at the BBC’s offices in the Mailbox.

Mr Knight, the screenwriter, film director and creator of the hit BBC drama about Birmingham gangs, will deliver the keynote speech at the end of the day, on October 20, discussing the challenges and opportunities working in the Midlands.

There will also be practical training sessions in the jobs the TV drama industry needs plus a chance to network with talent and hiring managers from the BBC and independents. The selected freelancers will also be able to work on their CVs, networking and interview skills.

The opening panel will look at how best to build a career in TV drama and, on the back the BBC’s announcement it is basing a new online content ‘Guerrilla Group’ at the Custard Factory in Birmingham, will offer insights on how to make the most of these opportunities.

There will be a choice of workshops including: careers advice from an experienced production manager and 1st assistant director, how a script editor works between the writer and producer to deliver the story; what skills a script supervisor needs and how to direct actors.

Anne Morrison, director, BBC Academy, said: “These training days offer great opportunities for freelancers and also ensure that we attract as diverse and creative a talent pool as possible to the industry.  I really encourage anyone who fits the entry criteria to go ahead and apply.”

To attend Get Your Next Job in TV Drama: Birmingham you must fulfil at least one of the following criteria: A minimum of six months’ production experience in any genre; one TV production credit; or a high-quality online portfolio.

Visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/news/article/art20140821172023375 to apply.