Liverpool’s film industry is experiencing growth across all five boroughs of the Liverpool city region, according to Lynn Saunders, head of the Liverpool Film Office. The expansion is marked by repeat production at locations including Heath in Halton, Alexandra Business Park in St. Helens, and Pensby High School in the Wirral.
“Every single borough has seen an increase in production, and there are hubs springing up everywhere,” Saunders said. “The locations are stunning, they’re diverse and the communities really welcome filmmakers which is why we have so much filming taking place here.”
The Liverpool Film Office, which Saunders has led since 2000, is responsible for creating a thriving production hub and has been instrumental in making Liverpool the second most filmed city in the UK. Saunders, described as the “Grande Dame of Film Commissioners,” has overseen the organization’s evolution from a fax-and-post operation to a modern powerhouse.
The Film Office’s commitment extends beyond attracting productions, encompassing 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 aligns with strategic capital initiatives such as the LCR Production Fund, The Depot, and the developing Littlewoods Studio Campus, according to Saunders.
The news comes as the UK indie film sector welcomes the newly confirmed Independent Film Tax Credit, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. The tax credit will allow filmmakers to claim back 53% of qualifying expenditure, potentially revitalizing a sector that has faced soaring costs, funding cuts, and market disruption. Feature films costing up to £15m will be eligible, provided they have a UK writer or director.
Saunders’s comments reflect a broader effort to support independent filmmaking, which she describes as driven by artistic vision and capable of telling stories that resonate on a deeper emotional level than large-budget blockbusters. She emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent within the industry, regardless of social class, race, or gender.
