The recent BBC drama, titled This City Is Ours, has had a significant impact on the economy of the Liverpool City Region. Reports indicate that the production has boosted the local economy by a staggering £9 million. Set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, the show received funding from the Liverpool City Council’s Film Office through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority LCR Production Fund.
Created by local writer Stephen Butchard and produced by Left Bank Pictures, known for The Crown, the series spent approximately 17 weeks filming in the Liverpool City Region last year. This filming period resulted in the creation and maintenance of 300 direct, indirect, and induced full-time equivalent jobs for local residents. Additionally, the production supported 17 trainees entering the industry and provided opportunities for two apprentices from the Film Office.
This City Is Ours stars renowned actor Sean Bean as Ronnie Phelan, alongside local talents like James Nelson-Joyce, Jack McMullen, Hannah Onslow, Julie Graham, and others. Mayor Steve Rotheram, who launched the LCR Production Fund in 2019 with a £3 million investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, emphasized the positive impact of such initiatives. Over the past five years, the Liverpool Film Office has facilitated over 1,500 film and TV productions in the region, creating over 5,000 jobs and generating £168 million in inward investment.
Councillor Harry Doyle, the Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Culture, praised the positive outcomes of the LCR Production Fund and highlighted the opportunities it provides to individuals venturing into the film and TV industry. Mayor Steve Rotheram commended the fund for not only boosting the local economy but also for opening doors for aspiring filmmakers and professionals. Lynn Saunders, the Head of Liverpool Film Office and Fund Manager, expressed satisfaction with the success of This City Is Ours and its significant contribution to the region’s economy.
Isobel Lewis, a Production Assistant Apprentice at Liverpool Film Office, shared her enriching experience working on the show. She detailed her involvement in the production office, shadowing the team, observing daily activities on set, and interacting with various departments. Her firsthand experience highlighted the collaborative effort required in creating a successful project, underscoring the value of learning and growing within the industry
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