Liverpool's new film studio brings it one step close to becoming the 'Hollywood of the North'
Liverpool is the second most filmed city in the UK
Liverpool have officially opened a brand new film studios today, taking the city one step closer to its ambition of being the 'Hollywood of the North'.
The Depot consists of two purpose-built, 20,000 sqft sound-proofed film & TV production units, giving Liverpool the complete package for film producers and a providing a multi-million pound boost to its economy.
Despite the pandemic, Liverpool is currently experiencing it's busiest period for film and TV production on record, making it the second most filmed city in the UK.
Liverpool is currently hosting noteworthy productions, such as Sky’s Funny Girl starring Gemma Arterton, BBC’s The Responder starring Martin Freeman, and Channel 4’s The Curse from the team behind People Just Do Nothing.
In addition to these productions, BBC’s sixth series of Peaky Blinders, Doctor Who, and major blockbusters such as Warner Bros’ The Batman have all been filmed in Liverpool recently.
Lynn Saunders, Head of Liverpool Film Office, said: "There was a new show on our screens last night called Ridley Road, you'll see the Georgian Quarter and the marvellous St George's Hall plastered all over that.
"We have a great relationship with Warner, so Liverpool does feel like Batman's second home as far as Gotham's concerned.
“For us it’s more than a space for sets, it’s an opportunity to build a production hub in the city region, where we can embed the local filming infrastructure network and develop training opportunities to future-proof Liverpool’s prime position in the industry."
The space is overseen by Liverpool Film Office (LFO), who have said that a key goal for the studios is to develop and strengthen the local talent pool and secure Liverpool’s long-term ambition to be a first-class creative and digital content production base.
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson, said: "Liverpool’s TV and film industry has been one of the city’s great success stories of the past 20 years, and thanks to these new studios the city’s offer can continue to flourish for the next 20 years.
"Of course, we all love it when a blockbuster comes to town but what I really love is how our Film Office is going to be able use these facilities not just to attract more productions, for longer, but to develop more apprenticeships and job opportunities to further enhance the city’s skills base in the sector."
The studios are placed right next to the famous Littlewoods building on Edge Lane, and is expected to provide a £24 million boost to Liverpool's economy, creating 360 new jobs and 760 indirect jobs.