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Filming has commenced on two new projects, *A Town in Nova Scotia* and *Saviour*, both of which have received backing from the Liverpool Film Office’s Liverpool City Region Production Fund following its relaunch in autumn 2025. These productions enhance a growing slate of acclaimed works supported by the Fund, which already includes notable dramas such as *This City is Ours* (BBC/Left Bank Pictures), *The Responder* (BBC/Dancing Ledge), and *Time* (BBC/BBC Studios).
The feature film *A Town in Nova Scotia* marks an important milestone as the first feature film funded by the Liverpool City Region Production Fund, a collaborative initiative between Liverpool Film Office and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Directed by Babak Jalali, known for *Fremont*, with the screenplay co-written alongside Carolina Cavalli (*Amanda*), the story follows Leon, a widower played by Bill Nighy, residing in council housing in Liverpool. Makram Khoury, famed for *The West Wing* and *A Syrian Bride*, features as Saleh, Leon’s close friend. The cast is bolstered by both professional and non-professional actors locally sourced from across the city region. Bill Nighy himself maintains strong ties with Liverpool, having been part of the Liverpool Everyman Theatre repertory during its celebrated 1970s period alongside figures such as Julie Walters and Jonathan Pryce.
Produced by rising Liverpool producer Jennifer Monks under The Fold, alongside Naïma Abed and Émilie Georges of Paradise City, the film benefits from multifaceted support including funding from BBC Films, the British Film Institute, and private investors Desmar and Hoopsa, alongside Liverpool Film Office’s contribution. Meanwhile, *Saviour* is an ITV six-part courtroom thriller, developed in partnership with the Fund following previous successful collaborations including *The Ipcress File* (ITV/Altitude Television) and *G’wed* (ITV/Golden Path). The series, penned by Liverpool-born criminal barrister and novelist Imran Mahmood in his TV drama debut, is produced by Nisha Parti’s Parti Productions alongside the award-winning Drama Republic. Global distribution is managed by All3 Media.
The drama follows Ben, portrayed by Archie Fisher, as he navigates the criminal justice system after a case of mistaken identity results in tragedy. Anjili Mohindra plays Indy, a criminal barrister with layers of secrets, while Shaun Parkes appears as Detective Inspector Jon Creasy and Aidan Gillen takes on the role of Eddie, a police officer and Ben’s father. Both projects place strong emphasis on employing local crew and engaging trainees through Liverpool Film Office’s Action! skills programme, reinforcing the Fund’s mission to support authentic storytelling while cultivating long-term economic and cultural benefits for the Liverpool screen industry.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture and Chair of the LCR Production Fund, expressed enthusiasm about the progress: “It’s absolutely brilliant to see production begin on both *A Town in Nova Scotia* – the first feature film backed by Liverpool City Region Production Fund – and *Saviour*, which adds to our impressive investment portfolio of TV dramas. Through the fantastic work of Liverpool Film Office, we have become the UK’s go-to filming location outside of London and with that comes significant opportunity for our people and our communities. Not only do these productions feature local actors and crew, but many trainees and new entrants have been given their first steps in the industry thanks to the Film Office’s Action! skills programme. We’re very excited to see both productions on screen later this year and can’t wait to watch our city and our local talent shine on the global stage once again.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, also highlighted the region’s growing reputation: “The Liverpool City Region has always been a place where powerful stories are told – and increasingly, it’s where they’re made too. That’s why the LCR Production Fund was set up: to attract the very best projects to our area and support local talent. We’re growing a truly world-class film and TV sector, creating skilled jobs for local people, and showcasing our region on an international stage. It’s fantastic to see the Fund backing its first feature film as well as continuing to develop relationships with some of the UK’s top TV drama producers. I’m proud that our region continues to be a place where creativity, talent and ambition can thrive.”
*A Town in Nova Scotia* is scheduled for theatrical release later this year, while *Saviour* will premiere on ITV1 with availability on ITVX planned for late this year or early next year.
Since its launch in 2019, the Liverpool City Region Production Fund has aimed to expand the number, diversity, and scale of feature films and scripted television productions in the area. Managed by Liverpool Film Office and supported with £3 million in capital from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund, it offers discretionary funding of up to £500,000 per project. Over the past five years, the Fund has invested £2.8 million, which has generated an estimated £24.5 million in regional expenditure, created 861 indirect full-time equivalent jobs, and supported 56 opportunities for trainees and newcomers. Fund-supported projects have garnered more than 60 award nominations and 19 industry accolades, including four BAFTAs and two International Emmys
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