• Record breaking filming levels in Liverpool
• Production levels up 22% on last year
• Albert Dock filming up 155% thanks to Film Office partnership
• Filming generated £16m for local economy in 2010/2011
Liverpool is a city in demand after a new report shows filming levels are at an all time high.
In just six months (April to September 2011) production levels in Liverpool were up 22 per cent compared to the same period last year. An impressive 171 programmes, movies and adverts were filmed - bringing in £89,000 to the city council.
Productions set in Liverpool included the BBC’s Young Dracula and new police drama Savage as well as Lime Pictures and Nickleodeon’s House of Anubis.
And thanks to a new partnership between Liverpool’s Film Office (LFO) and the Albert Dock Company, from April LFO took over production responsibilities and managed all requests to film on site and have increased production levels by a massive 155 per cent, with an air time value of £1.5 million.
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Liverpool is a must-visit destination for leading film executives and TV companies from all over the world.
“Each week there is filming taking place across the city - whether it’s for a children’s TV programme, an advert, a documentary or a Hollywood blockbuster.
“Liverpool offers a fantastic range of locations, and the excellent reputation and can-do attitude of our Film Office attracts more and more filming requests every day.
“The city’s stature within the industry goes from strength to strength, and Liverpool is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most film-friendly locations.”
Business Development Manager for the Albert Dock, Peter Cronin, said: “Just six months into the new partnership and the results have far exceeded our expectations.
“Because of the superb architecture and stunning views the location has become a real favourite with filmmakers, and I’m sure it’s popularity will continue in the future.”
In 2010/11, filming in the city generated more than £16 million for the local economy.
The LFO is the longest running independent film commission in the UK, established by the city council in 1989. It promotes the city to the global film and TV sector, and provides practical help and support to film & TV crews filming in Liverpool and creates employment opportunities for local people in the creative and hospitality sectors.
Over the past 10 years the office has attracted an estimated £100 million of inward investment from production expenditure into the Liverpool city region.
In 2010/11 it facilitated 253 different types of production in the city from commercials and TV dramas to Hollywood films.
Recent large scale feature films that have filmed in Liverpool include Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes, Warner Brothers Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy and this summer’s blockbuster Captain America The First Avenger.
LFO’s Manager, Lynn Saunders, said: “Liverpool’s Film Office is made up a small team of three, but we pride ourselves on our unique local knowledge and expertise which helps attract people from the TV and film industry time and time again.
“It’s all about having a can-do attitude and we’ll always do as much as we can to make filming in Liverpool as easy as possible, no matter how big or small the production.
“And, of course, our job is made that bit easier thanks to the fantastic range of locations this city can offer – any production team looking for jaw-dropping backdrops doesn’t need to look any further – Liverpool has it all.”
For more information, please contact Sarah Langworthy, Communications Officer, on 0151 225 5582 or 077936 60570.
For the latest news from Liverpool City Council, visit www.liverpool.gov.uk or www.twitter.com/lpoolcouncil
Liverpool City Council Newscentre, Room 130, Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2DH. Out of hours 0151 233 3040.