Even before transmission, BBC’s new drama, This City Is Ours, is having an impact on the Liverpool City Region.
According to the Liverpool Film Office, the Left Bank Pictures series brought £9m into the regional economy.
The cast and crew spent around 17 weeks filming in the area, which the Film Office said generated and safeguarded 300 direct and indirect full-time jobs for local people, while also supporting 17 trainees into the industry.
Airing from Sunday 23rd March on BBC One, the 8-part drama received investment from Liverpool City Council’s Film Office via Liverpool City Region Combined Authority LCR Production Fund.
“This City Is Ours is a fantastic example of how the LCR Production Fund has worked to not only draw in production but bring great benefit the local economy,” said Head of Liverpool Film Office and Fund Manager, Lynn Saunders.
“The project has reported a total spend for the region at just under £9m which equates to just under £20 for each £1 spent of the Fund’s investment – which is an outstanding achievement.
“With a gripping script from creator and local writer Stephen Butchard and championing our homegrown talent, there’s certainly a special buzz around this project and we can’t wait to see how it plays out on the screen.”
Butchard said that he believed the city of Liverpool was one of the lead characters in the show:
“It is a metropolis. It is a cinematic, international, good-looking city. A beautiful place in the daylight and at night. I would be quite happy to say on the credits: ‘And starring . . . Liverpool.’
“The idea for the drama is something I thought about five years ago, and the series eventually fell into place. Liverpool is a location that will lend itself to any genre. There is a ‘can do’ attitude in everyone.
“The Liverpool Film Office have that attitude. Nothing is too much trouble – we talk to them, and they listen. They say ‘Yes’ – now that is always good to hear.
“People in the street come up and ask the cast and crew ‘What are you are making?’ They are curious for the right reasons, asking ‘Who is it by and who is starring in it’ They are proud of their city.”
This City Is Ours tells the story of Michael (James Nelson), a man who for all of his adult life has been involved in organised crime…but for the first time in his life, he finds love and sees a future and something to lose – Diana (Hannah Onslow).
This love affair is set against the disintegration of his crime gang. For years, together with his friend Ronnie (Sean Bean), he’s successfully been bringing cocaine into the city and beyond, directly from Columbia; but when a shipment goes missing, he knows their Kingdom is under attack.
Sean Bean said of filming in the city:
“Liverpool, the city itself, is always a joy to visit and work in. It is a special place and has been good to me and it has a special place in my heart. The people welcome you with open arms and that makes things so much easier for any production crew. They are respectful that you have a job to do and let you get on with it.
“They are proud to have you in their city, using their home as a location is recognition of its appeal. They are also grateful that the city’s economy benefits from being one of the most used places to film.
“The city looks brilliant on film, from the waterfront to Chinatown, and across to the Wirral, where Ronnie lives. This City is Ours is a great title in many ways because it is defiant and triumphant.”
Liverpool native, Nelson, added that Stephen Graham had provided inspiration and support:
“Growing up I admired Jamie Carragher, and I wanted to be Liverpool FC captain. And there are actors like Stephen Graham, who is one of those people I look up to in life. He is all about encouragement.
“Stephen likes to pass on advice. He is a massive inspiration and I have been fortunate to work with him. He told me once that he’s always just a phone call away. I know he’ll watch and support This City is Ours, and I look forward to hearing what he thinks about it. I want viewers to join us from episode one and stay with us. It will be worth the ride.”
