October 24, 2024
DI Ray Returns to Birmingham & the West Midlands for Second Series
© ITV
Continuing from the show’s successful first series, Parminder Nagra returns as Detective Inspector Rachita Ray for another hard hitting, drama-packed series of DI Ray with a variety of brilliant locations across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. Hailing from hit Line of Duty’s Jed Mercurio alongside a star-studded cast headed by Nagra, how could we expect any different?
Set in Birmingham, series 1 introduces us to Leicester-born Rachita Ray, a police officer who takes on a case that forces her to confront a lifelong personal conflict between her British identity and her South Asian heritage. The four-part series tracked a compelling murder investigation whilst exploring the emotive subject of racism in the workplace. It asked difficult questions about what it’s like to be British but feel ‘other.’ And it did so whilst sending viewers on a thrilling ride through the murky underworld of Birmingham and beyond.
Given last series’ dramatic ending, series 2 promises even more. Set again in Birmingham & the West Midlands, the new series sees DI Ray investigating the murder of a high-profile criminal. Sensitive ethnic issues relating to the case ignite racial tensions, causing a personal conflict for Rachita, both as a British Asian woman and as a police officer, which she must fight to prevent a turf war erupting on the streets of Birmingham.
The Filming in England crewing team were delighted to support the production in their search for a number of roles during pre-production for DI Ray series 2. What’s more, the series saw more action unfold in filming hot spots across Birmingham. The shoot was supported by Film Birmingham, who comment below:
“Film Birmingham were delighted to see the return of DI Ray to the city for a second series. A show set in the city really showed off the diversity of the city’s locations. We worked closely with the location department to ensure the shoot went smoothly, we needed the co-operation of many external agencies – this tested and demonstrated what a ‘film-friendly’ city we are.”
Creative UK’s Head of Film & TV, Paul Ashton manages the West Midlands Production Fund which originally supported DI Ray’s 4-part pilot and has been key in additional support for Series 2.
“We are very proud to have supported a show which is not only diverse but is also the debut original series of a lead writer from the region – I think this speaks volumes about the talent, potential and quality that exists in the region.
A key strategic priority for the West Midlands Production Fund in recent times has been to support a new returning high-end TV series which is from, of and represents the region – not just providing sustainable opportunities for talent and crew but expressing and showing the region on screen. A new returner – the first since Hustle – has been a very long time overdue so it was hugely satisfying to see the DI Ray recommissioned.”
Creative UK’s West Midlands Production Fund (WMPF) was set up with the support of ERDF to encourage and invest in the sustainable production of higher end feature films and TV drama in the region. It continues to support HETV & film productions in the region – you can find out more HERE.
In addition to this, the series also saw support from Create Central who helped to source local West Midlands based talent for Series 2.
Create Central is a private sector trade body that brings together some of the region’s most successful TV, film, games and wider creative content business leaders. Through Create Central they work with national and regional partners to create an agile and responsive network to turbo-charge the creative content sector in the heart of the UK. Skills, equity, diversity and inclusion are cross-cutting themes through all their missions, and they are one of the BFI’s regional skills clusters. Find out more about Create Central’s work HERE.
Ed Shedd, Chair of Create Central, told us about the positive impact of having DI Ray in the region for local talent –
“We are delighted that our successful Create Central Bootcamps have led to new and emerging talent gaining opportunities on the production of DI Ray. This initiative provides a crucial first taste of the industry for many. Supporting diverse new talent is essential for the continuous evolution of the industry, and this is a goal we are committed to in the West Midlands. Local productions like DI Ray not only offer valuable industry experience but also drive economic benefits within the region.”
Don’t miss DI Series 2 on ITV and ITVX.
