Liverpool achieves record year of filmmaking

The number of film and TV productions in Liverpool was at an all-time high last year, according to new data.

A report set to go before the city’s Culture and Tourism Select Committee in two weeks’ time (August 9) will show that, during 2015, a total of 257 film and TV projects came to the city.

The productions racked up 1,067 filming days and added £11.5m to Liverpool’s economy, which is an increase of 50% against 2014’s figures.

Among the biggest productions filmed in Liverpool last year was Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a prequel to the Harry Potter films written by J.K Rowling and starring Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne.

The city was the only non-studio location used, with major scenes filmed inside St George’s Hall and the Cunard Building. During filming, the 1,000 members of cast and crew bedded down in 10 city centre hotels and directly contributed £1.5m to the local economy.

Other Liverpool production highlights included Rocky spinoff Creed; Florence Foster Jenkins, which starred actors Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant; and TV series Peaky Blinders, a crime drama depicting 1920s Birmingham.

Looking ahead, Liverpool’s Film Office team has predicted that 2016/17 will be another bumper year, with 147 productions filmed so far.

The Film Office is now generating more money through its Income and Commercialisation Strategy, which sees the collection of fees centralised to make its easier for production companies to use council services such as booking road closures, securing city centre parking and filming in council-owned properties.

Fees in 2015 resulted in a direct income of more than £468k for the council.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said: “Camera crews are getting to be a regular sight on our streets as we are one of the most filmed cities outside of London.

“Liverpool has a huge amount to offer production companies – amazing and diverse locations and a dedicated Film Office that is overflowing with local knowledge and a can-do attitude which sees directors and producers return to the city time and time again.

“The development of a £25m film studio on Edge Lane is testament to the creative boom what we are currently experiencing – the demand is there for us to facilitate more filming in the city, so this is perfectly timed.”

He continued: “And more than ever, it’s essential that we look to our city region neighbours and see how our success can be shared with them, and working together in the future is key to this.

“It’s fantastic news that the momentum is continuing and filming days are already at a high this year – so we’ll be seeing a lot more of Liverpool on the big and small screen.”

The manager of the Film Office, Lynn Saunders, commented: “A huge amount of work goes into attracting production companies to the city, and then working with them in the run up to, during and post filming to make sure all aspects run as smoothly as possible and they have a positive experience of the city.

“The number of TV programmes, adverts and films we are securing here is testament to our commitment to making sure Liverpool is at the forefront of Director’s minds when they are considering where to film.”

She added: “It’s important we don’t rest on our laurels though and we are looking at doing things differently in the future which will improve the way we work and generate more funding and exposure for Merseyside as a whole.”