Post by Kev on Jan 20, 2004 7:51:31 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]IN A year which has seen its streets double as Belfast, London and even New York, figures have revealed it has been the most successful 12 months ever for Liverpool's film business.
A total of 612 days were spent shooting on location in the city in 2003 - more than any other year in the film office's 14-year history.[/glow]
It smashed the previous record of 502 days, set in 2000 when Holly-wood star Samuel L. Jackson filmed his Hollywood action movie The 51st Statein Liverpool city centre.
[glow=red,2,300]This provided an estimated £15m boost to the local economy, benefiting businesses such as hotels, taxi firms and caterers.
[/glow]
Last year saw three feature films shot in the city.
Jude Law, star of box office hit Cold Mountain, spent a day appearing in a re-make of the 1960s movie, Alfie.
Millions, a black comedy starring Cold Feetactor James Nesbitt, about two youngsters who find £1m, and Digital Jesus, with action hero Armand Assante, saw city centre locations such as Stanley Dock, Exchange Flags and Old Hall Street double as New York.
Lynn Saunders, manager of promoter Liverpool Film Office, said European funding and private companies, such as the production company set up by movie maker Colin McKeown, have contributed to the city's success.
She said: "It's a really exciting time for the film industry in Liverpool.
"The Liverpool Film Studios have firmly established themselves as a production base within the city and the Objective One cash means we can invest in the next generation of film makers to bring on new talent.
"Liverpool is now known as a city that welcomes film makers with open arms and does all it can to accommodate them. The word is spreading among producers and directors that whatever location you need, Liverpool can provide it."
Nine network television programmes were also shot in the city, including BBC One police series Merseybeat, starring Leslie Ash and John McArdle; Grange Hill, filmed on location at Mersey TV headquarters in Childwall and on the streets of Norris Green.
ITV1's drama To Kidnap a Princess,about the attempted abduction of Princess Anne, used Sefton Park, Aigburth, to replicate The Mall in London.
Red and Blue, a BBC One drama about the sectarian demonstrations outside Holy Cross school in Belfast, and Pleasurelands, a coming of age drama for Channel 4, were also shot on location in Liverpool.
Coun Warren Bradley, executive member of leisure and culture, added: "Liverpool has a fantastic reputation within the film industry for providing great locations and logistical support for film makers.
"There is a phenomenal level of interest in using Liverpool and with the European Capital of Culture win our profile is set to grow even further over the coming months and years."
Later this year, The Virgin of Liverpool, a comedy starring Ricky Tomlinson and Johnny Vegas shot entirely on location in the city, will go on general release.
Well done again LIVERPOOL!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
A total of 612 days were spent shooting on location in the city in 2003 - more than any other year in the film office's 14-year history.[/glow]
It smashed the previous record of 502 days, set in 2000 when Holly-wood star Samuel L. Jackson filmed his Hollywood action movie The 51st Statein Liverpool city centre.
[glow=red,2,300]This provided an estimated £15m boost to the local economy, benefiting businesses such as hotels, taxi firms and caterers.
[/glow]
Last year saw three feature films shot in the city.
Jude Law, star of box office hit Cold Mountain, spent a day appearing in a re-make of the 1960s movie, Alfie.
Millions, a black comedy starring Cold Feetactor James Nesbitt, about two youngsters who find £1m, and Digital Jesus, with action hero Armand Assante, saw city centre locations such as Stanley Dock, Exchange Flags and Old Hall Street double as New York.
Lynn Saunders, manager of promoter Liverpool Film Office, said European funding and private companies, such as the production company set up by movie maker Colin McKeown, have contributed to the city's success.
She said: "It's a really exciting time for the film industry in Liverpool.
"The Liverpool Film Studios have firmly established themselves as a production base within the city and the Objective One cash means we can invest in the next generation of film makers to bring on new talent.
"Liverpool is now known as a city that welcomes film makers with open arms and does all it can to accommodate them. The word is spreading among producers and directors that whatever location you need, Liverpool can provide it."
Nine network television programmes were also shot in the city, including BBC One police series Merseybeat, starring Leslie Ash and John McArdle; Grange Hill, filmed on location at Mersey TV headquarters in Childwall and on the streets of Norris Green.
ITV1's drama To Kidnap a Princess,about the attempted abduction of Princess Anne, used Sefton Park, Aigburth, to replicate The Mall in London.
Red and Blue, a BBC One drama about the sectarian demonstrations outside Holy Cross school in Belfast, and Pleasurelands, a coming of age drama for Channel 4, were also shot on location in Liverpool.
Coun Warren Bradley, executive member of leisure and culture, added: "Liverpool has a fantastic reputation within the film industry for providing great locations and logistical support for film makers.
"There is a phenomenal level of interest in using Liverpool and with the European Capital of Culture win our profile is set to grow even further over the coming months and years."
Later this year, The Virgin of Liverpool, a comedy starring Ricky Tomlinson and Johnny Vegas shot entirely on location in the city, will go on general release.
Well done again LIVERPOOL!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
