BAFTA-nominated producer Nickie Sault has launched Class 5, a brand-new and progressive television and film production company designed to “unite new and established talent in a collaborative and creative environment.”
Nickie Sault, who is renowned for her work on acclaimed dramas such as The Gallows Pole, The Outlaws, The Virtues, and World on Fire is committed to producing content that resonates deeply with audiences and has launched the Sheffield label to tell stories that enrich the human experience, while fostering a space where creativity flourishes and opportunities are accessible to both emerging and seasoned storytellers.
Class 5 is currently collaborating with international best-selling author Ben Myers on his first feature film screenplay, Rare Singles, in association with Warner Music Entertainment. Based on his novel, Rare Singles, set in Chicago and Scarborough, is a warm, tender and funny story about unlikely friendships, second chances, and the magic of soul music.
Nickie Sault said: “I believe that film and television has the power to drive societal change, and I take that responsibility seriously. When people spend their hard-earned money to see a film or commit hours of their life to watching something on television, we, as creators, need to earn that privilege by making sure that what we put out into the world is meaningful. Class 5 strives for the best experience both on and off screen.
“At Class 5, every collaborator regardless of rank or role, is welcomed into a safe environment where their voice is encouraged and valued. I am thrilled to be continuing my collaboration with the incredible Ben Myers, and honoured that I get to work alongside Warner Music Entertainment in co-producing Ben’s very first feature film adaptation, Rare Singles.”
Myers said: “It’s a great honour to be part of the launch of Class 5. Nickie Sault has had a huge hand in making some of the most original and powerful drama in recent years and has been directly involved in the development of Rare Singles since it was a half-written novel. Working together under the wise guidance of Ally Gipps at Warners, I couldn’t hope for a better entry into the screenwriting world.”
Warner Music Entertainment’s head of scripted, Ally Gipps, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Ben on his first screenplay and with Nickie as she launches Class 5. Ben is an incredible storyteller and has created a world with Rare Singles that is embedded in music, and one we can’t wait to bring to life on screen. This is a project we really believe in, and in Nickie we have an amazing partner who will get the absolute best out of it.”
Sault has a unique perspective on the film & TV industry having worked her way up from starting as a runner 25 years ago and is widely recognised for her long-established working relationship with Shane Meadows that began in 2005 on This Is England.
The daughter of a miner from the long closed Grimethorpe Colliery in Barnsley, Sault is very proud of her working-class roots and has dedicated Class 5 to creating opportunities for disadvantaged adults of all ages. 2025 will see the launch of Class 5 Crew, a not-for-profit organisation, where the sole purpose is to seek out and sustain the next generation of working- class talent.
