Liverpool’s starring role in five feature
films is to be the focus of a new television
documentary.
‘Boom Town’, a six part series which
starts on Granada on Wednesday 26th
September, follows the filming of the movies,
which were all shot last year during a record
period for the city council’s Film Office.
The programmes also look at the work of the
Film Office in attracting producers and directors
to the city. The Film Office is a one-stop shop
for moviemakers which facilitates filming and
offers free advice and assistance.
The behind-the-scenes documentary tracks the
making of the $28 million Hollywood blockbuster
51st State through
the eyes of stunt co-ordinator Jim Dowdall.
He was responsible for co-ordinating the action
scenes involving Samuel L Jackson and Robert
Carlyle. The film is due to go on general release
in December.
The series also looks at how Liverpool was
turned into 1920’s Chicago by the maker’s
of Al’s Lads, a film which
tells the story of three waiters from the city
who end up working for Al Capone.
The other films featured are Lennon
- which charts the life of the late Beatle,
My Kingdom - a contemporary version
of King Lear, and Super Davie Buscombe
- a short 10 minute film about a football fan.
Councillor Frank Doran, Executive Board member
for Leisure and Culture, said: "This television
series demonstrates how versatile Liverpool
is when it comes to facilitating the production
of movies, both in terms of locations and crew.
Film-makers understand that they can come here
and shoot a movie in the knowledge that we have
an industry infrastructure that can accommodate
all of their needs.
"The Film Office has played a key role
in persuading movie-makers to come to the city
and that has paid handsome dividends in terms
of the economic benefits to Liverpool, which
runs into millions of pounds a year."
Karen Jones, who directed the series, praised
the work of the Liverpool Film Office: "There’s
no doubt that it is one of the best in the country.
Their work in helping find locations and local
crew workers makes it a lot easier for the industry
to come here and use this fantastic city.
And she says she was also struck by the atmosphere
in the city: "There’s a real spirit
in Liverpool, a real sense that dreams can come
true and a vibrancy that’s unique."
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