Here’s how many films and TV shows were shot in Liverpool last year

Liverpool saw its busiest ever year of filming in 2017.

New data from the Liverpool Film Office has revealed that 289 projects for TV and film were shot in the city last year.

The work amounted to 1,359 filming days and generated an £11.1m boost for the local economy.

The figures demonstrated an increase in production companies filming content for digital channels, as well as an uptick in the amount of time firms spent on location.

Among the productions filmed in Liverpool was the BAFTA-nominated Film Stars Don’t Die, starring Annette Bening and Jamie Bell and shot around Rundle Road in Aigburth and Princes Street.

BBC Two show Peaky Blinders, meanwhile, returned to Liverpool for its fourth series. Crosby Beach was one of several Merseyside locations used.

Last year also the 10th season of Channel 4 documentary One Born Every Minute filmed at the Women’s Hospital; Emmy-nominated Broken, starring Sean Bean and Anna Friel, filmed on Admiral Street and throughout Sefton; and BBC Two’s A House Through Time documentary, which explored the history of 62 Falkner Street.

Other highlights of the filming calendar included Tolkien, a biopic featuring Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins, and City and The City, starring Liverpool-born David Morrissey.

Assistant Mayor Cllr Wendy Simon, Cabinet Member responsible for the Film Office, said: “For many years Liverpool has been one of the UK’s most filmed locations outside of London, and it’s fantastic to see that the city retains that appeal with productions returning to the city time and time again.

“This city provides the perfect backdrop for directors – there are so many diverse and stunning locations on offer and Liverpool can be transformed into different destinations – whether it be New York, London or Eastern Europe – its appeal is endless.”

She continued: “The calibre of productions coming here is incredible with so many of them receiving rave reviews and then go on to be a well-known name on the awards circuit.

“A huge amount of credit should be given to the small team which make up the Liverpool Film Office – their unrivalled knowledge of the city and willingness to go above and beyond has resulted in fantastic relationships being developed between the city council and the film industry.”

Speaking further, Cllr Wendy Simon said this year marks “an exciting time for the city”, adding: “I look forward to seeing what other TV and film gems head to Liverpool in 2018”.

Lynn Saunders, Film Office manager, said: “We are delighted that Liverpool remains such a pivotal player in the film industry and we are committed to putting plans in place to ensure production levels remain buoyant.

“A huge amount of work goes into attracting production companies to Merseyside, 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.

She continued: “Never a city to rest on its laurels – we are developing a five-year, City Region-wide plan to see how we can make the most of the sector and how we can maintain and improve investment levels and the number of jobs created as a result of production companies heading to the area.

“Plans for our own film studios are developing which means we’ll be able to meet the demand for film and production facilities which we simply cannot meet at the moment due to capacity issues.”

Tolkien co-producer Sarada Mcdermott commented: “Liverpool was perfect location to film key scenes for our production.

“The area around St George’s Hall provided us with the period shots we needed, and the space allowed us to create a brand new set to meet our needs. The team at the Film Office were fantastic and I’d have no hesitation in returning to the city again to film.”