Liverpool is making a strong case for increased government investment in its burgeoning film and television industry, building on recent successes that have established the city region as a major production hub outside of London. The push for further backing comes as the region continues to attract significant projects and generate substantial economic benefits, with officials highlighting a commitment to sustainable growth and skills development.
The Liverpool City Region has experienced record-breaking expansion in the screen industry since 2019, generating £150 million for the local economy and creating over 5,400 full-time equivalent jobs, according to a recent impact report. This growth has solidified Liverpool’s position as the UK’s most filmed city outside the capital, attracting productions like The Batman, The Responder, Time, and House of Guinness.
Lynn Saunders, Head of the Liverpool Film Office, emphasized the widespread impact of this growth, stating, “Every single borough has seen an increase in production, and Notice hubs springing up everywhere.” She highlighted the appeal of Liverpool’s diverse locations and the welcoming attitude of local communities, citing Heath in Halton, Alexandra Business Park in St. Helens, and Pensby High School in the Wirral as examples of locations seeing repeat business.
Investment in Infrastructure Fuels Growth
Key to Liverpool’s success has been strategic investment in production infrastructure. The Depot, featuring two 20,000 sq ft sound stages, has generated £29.1 million in Gross Value Added since its launch in 2021, and has spurred the creation of 15 new businesses in the region. The forthcoming Littlewoods Studio Campus, boasting six sound stages, ScreenLab Liverpool, and post-production facilities, is projected to create 3,200 new jobs and generate £170 million in Gross Value Added.
Commitment to Economic and Social Impact
Saunders underscored the Liverpool Film Office’s broader commitment, stating, “We have a commitment to economic regeneration, skills development, community engagement, and sustainable growth, with plans to further elevate Liverpool’s role in the UK’s screen industry.” This commitment extends to adapting to challenges, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when Liverpool became the first UK city to resume filming, establishing industry-standard safety protocols.
The Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership highlighted this adaptability in a recent LinkedIn post, noting the region’s remarkable growth “particularly given the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.”
A Regional Benefit
The benefits of the film and TV boom are being felt across all five boroughs of the Liverpool City Region – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral. Saunders noted the increasing number of production hubs emerging throughout the region, demonstrating a broad-based economic impact. This regional spread is a key component of the Liverpool Film Office’s strategy for sustainable growth.
Lynn Saunders, described as the “Grande Dame of Film Commissioners” for her long-standing leadership at the Liverpool Film Office, has overseen a transformation of the organization since 2000. Her work has been instrumental in establishing Liverpool as a leading production center in the UK. She also enjoys attending the Everyman Cinema in Liverpool with her friend Kate, recently watching Oppenheimer and Barbie back-to-back.
Looking ahead, the Liverpool Film Office is focused on building on its recent successes and further strengthening the region’s position as a global leader in film and television production. Continued government support will be crucial to realizing these ambitions and maximizing the economic and social benefits for the Liverpool City Region.
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