Lights, camera… Derbyshire! From Peaky Blinders at Calke Abbey to scenes of This Is Birmingham filmed in Derby
Derbyshire has once again found itself in front of the cameras, as the hugely anticipated Peaky Blinders film brought large-scale production to one of the county’s most treasured landmarks — while a Midlands crime drama also captured selected scenes in and around Derby.
Peaky Blinders at Calke Abbey
The historic Calke Abbey estate was transformed into a 1940s setting for the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, with crews taking over parts of the grand house and its atmospheric grounds.
The National Trust property, known for its faded grandeur and preserved historic interiors, provided an authentic backdrop for scenes connected to the much-loved Birmingham gangland saga. Period vehicles, detailed set dressing and a full production crew brought a cinematic buzz to the quiet Derbyshire countryside during filming.
The project once again highlights Derbyshire’s appeal to major productions seeking distinctive heritage locations.
Birmingham to Derby Once Again
At the same time, feature crime drama This Is Birmingham — created by Birmingham-born and bred actor Kay S. Ubhi — also features scenes shot in and around Derby.
While the film is firmly rooted in Birmingham’s identity and culture, certain pieces were filmed in Derby due to practical production reasons. Remote and discreet sites on the outskirts of the city, along with accessible production facilities in and around Derby, offered flexibility for specific scenes requiring controlled environments and logistical ease.
Kay S. Ubhi, a Birmingham-born and bred actor, leads and created This Is Birmingham, grounding the story with cultural authenticity. Through its exploration of loyalty, ambition and the realities of the underworld in the Midlands, the film channels the energy, challenges and character that define the city at its core — with Derby naturally falling within the wider Midlands filming hub that continues to support and attract regional productions.
The use of Derby locations and nearby facilities reflects how regional productions often collaborate across city borders — balancing creative vision with practical considerations. From large-scale heritage shoots to independent filmmaking supported by adaptable local spaces, Derbyshire continues to play a quiet but valuable role in bringing stories to life on screen.