MORE THAN 200 films and TV projects used Merseyside as their background, last year, making 2015 a record breaking year.

These details are included in a report, which is being sent to the Culture and Tourism Select Committee next week which reveals 257 projects were filmed in the region.

Hit TV series, Peaky Blinders chose New Brighton to film its third season, while the town also welcomed Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant for filming of their new movie Florence Foster Jenkins which was released earlier this year.

It is believed filming days brought in nearly £12m to the local economy, which no doubt was boasted by the major production of J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter prequel which was filmed at St Georges Hall in Liverpool.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “Camera crews are getting to be a regular sight on our streets as we are one of the most filmed cities outside of London.

“Liverpool has a huge amount to offer production companies – amazing and diverse locations and a dedicated Film Office that is overflowing with local knowledge and a can-do attitude which sees directors and producers return to the city time and time again.

“The development of a £25million film studio on Edge Lane is testament to the creative boom what we are currently experiencing – the demand is there for us to facilitate more filming in the city, so this is perfectly timed.

“And more than ever, it’s essential that we look to our city region neighbours and see how our success can be shared with them, and working together in the future is key to this.

“It’s fantastic news that the momentum is continuing and filming days are already at a high this year – so we’ll be seeing a lot more of Liverpool on the big and small screen.”

It looks like the success is set to continue as Liverpool’s small Film Office team predict that 16/17 will be another bumper year, so far 147 productions have been filmed resulting in 312 film days.

Last month, West Kirby was thrilled to see Peter Kay use the area to shoot scenes for the new series of his hit show, Car Share.

Film Office manager, Lynn Saunders, said: “A huge amount of work goes in to attracting production companies to the city, and then working with them in the run up to, during and post filming to make sure all aspects run as smoothly as possible and they have a positive experience of the city.

“The number of TV programmes, adverts and films we are securing here is testament to our commitment to making sure Liverpool is at the forefront of Director’s minds when they are considering where to film.

“It’s important we don’t rest on our laurels though and we are looking at doing things differently in the future which will improve the way we work and generate more funding and exposure for Merseyside as a whole.”

Other film or TV projects which have used the region for its production:

  • Rocky spin off, Golden Globe winning and Oscar-nominated Creed saw filming take place in Goodison Park
  • Peaky Blinders also used Croxteth Hall and the Welsh Streets in Liverpool
  • Stephen Poliakoff BBC 2 drama Close to the Enemy which will air later this year, saw stars Freddie Highmore, Angela Bassett  filming in and around the city. 
  • Acclaimed Sky1 drama The Five, which was written by bestselling author Harlan Coben, shot scenes for all ten episodes at locations across Merseyside, including Old Hall Street.