£6 MILLION BOOST FOR FILM AND TV MAKERS IN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

Britain’s new ‘Capital of Culture 2008’ is celebrating again after securing six million pounds to develop and strengthen the vibrant and thriving Film, TV and Media Industry in Merseyside.

Liverpool, the Hollywood of the North, has been given the massive cash injection from the Merseyside Objective One programme. North West Vision, the TV, Film and Moving image agency for England’s Northwest successfully bid for the money and will use it to develop and encourage new talent and build strong businesses in Merseyside.

Liverpool is already recognised as the most film friendly city in the UK and is currently doubling up as New York for the remake of the film ‘Alfie’ starring Jude Law. The money will ensure that the local industry is developed to reinforce and build on the already strong reputation.

North West Vision will create two hundred and seventeen jobs as a result of investing in local companies and innovative TV programmes and films. The funding will also be used to encourage strong partnerships and co-production whilst working with local industry broadcasters, new and existing companies and new talent.

Steve Morrison, Chair of North West Vision, Former Chief Executive of Granada PLC, and new owner of Chrysalis TV, said:

“TV and Film industries are built on creativity but they need the money to grow. North West Vision the studio for new talent, has now got a fantastic opportunity to invest in ground breaking new projects and provide opportunities for local people”.

The main aims of the Merseyside Film and TV programme are:

To invest in the production of major local and co-produced TV, feature films, drama, entertainment and documentary in Merseyside to grow a sustainable Film and TV industry and create jobs.

To work with the Liverpool Film Office, to develop the crew, facilities and filming infrastructure in Merseyside.

To assist local companies in the script and development stage.

To attract production companies into Merseyside to work with indigenous production companies and to use the crew and facilities of the region and realise the additional spend in the local economy.

To develop the talent through short film, and regional TV programming.

To use the return on funds to reinvest in, and continue, the project in the same way.

Sue Woodward, Creative Director of Capital of Culture, said:

"This is a valuable boost to the film industry on Merseyside and will help encourage and develop the creative talent that already exists here. We now have a real chance to strengthen what we have at the moment and help grow the film and television sector, creating jobs and putting the city firmly on the movie making map."

Funding for the initiative is also being invested by the UK Film Council (£497,000), Liverpool City Council (£290,000), Granada TV (£270,000), North West Vision (£63,000) and the private Sector (£2,550,000).