The second series of the celebrated comedy ‘G’wed’ has successfully concluded filming, owing significantly to the backing of the Liverpool City Region Production Fund.
This milestone reflects the continued commitment to fostering film production within the Liverpool area, providing opportunities for local talent and businesses.
Investment from Liverpool City Region Production Fund
The Liverpool City Region Production Fund has invested in ‘G’wed’ series 2, marking it as the latest project within its purview. This fund, launched by Mayor Steve Rotheram, comprises £3 million aimed at bolstering high-end TV dramas.
Productions such as ‘This City Is Ours’, ‘Time’ series 1 and 2, and ‘The Responder’ have all benefited from this initiative, illustrating the fund’s significant role in enhancing regional media outputs.
Impact on Local Economy and Job Creation
Filming for ‘G’wed’ series 2 took place in Wirral and Liverpool throughout August. This provided a substantial boost to the local economy by engaging local crews, utilising regional locations, and contracting local businesses.
The production engaged six trainees through the Film Office’s skills initiative, Action! They gained practical experience across various departments, including assistant directors, costume, props, locations, make-up, and sound.
Action!: Expanding Opportunities in the Screen Sector
The Action! initiative, made possible through £2.3 million of BFI National Lottery funding, supported ‘G’wed’ by integrating trainees into its production process.
This funding, allocated to Screen Alliance North, aimed to make the screen sector more accessible and to develop a skilled workforce across the North of England.
Screen Alliance North is a partnership among Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester, and Screen Yorkshire. It signifies a collaborative effort to elevate the regional screen sector and expand professional opportunities.
Praise from Key Figures
Liverpool Film Office Director Lynn Saunders expressed pride in the investment, highlighting ‘G’wed’s’ widespread audience appeal and the collaborative efforts with Wirral Council that facilitated the filming.
Saunders remarked, “We’re hugely proud of this latest investment. ‘G’wed’ proved to be a hit with audiences far and wide following its release earlier this year.”
She also praised the opportunity created for local talent and businesses through this initiative, reinforcing the fund’s positive impact on the local production landscape.
Remarks from Mayor Steve Rotheram
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, emphasised the fund’s role in establishing the region as a significant production hub. He referred to the ‘Hollywood of the North’ vision, showcasing its payoff with successful productions like ‘G’wed’.
He said, “This investment isn’t just about making great TV. It’s about creating opportunities for local people, supporting our economy, and showing the world what our region can do.”
Rotheram took pride in how the funding aids in nurturing new talent and positioning the region as a key player in the UK’s creative industry.
Location Benefits and Future Prospects
The choice of Wirral as a filming location underlines its growing significance as a production hub. The cooperation between the Film Office and Wirral Council facilitated a seamless shooting process.
This strategic decision not only showcased the area’s diverse settings but also underscored the benefits of local investments in regional productions.
With the wrap-up of ‘G’wed’ series 2, anticipation builds for future projects that will similarly benefit from the framework established by the Liverpool City Region Production Fund.
Conclusion
The successful completion of ‘G’wed’ series 2, facilitated by significant financial backing, underscores the Liverpool City Region’s evolving role as a premier location for high-quality productions.
The project has fostered local talent, created job opportunities, and positively impacted the regional economy, setting a precedent for future endeavours within the creative industries.
The filming of ‘G’wed’ series 2 reflects a successful collaboration between local authorities, organisations, and trainees, setting a benchmark for future projects.
This venture’s success highlights the Liverpool City Region Production Fund’s crucial role in fostering local talent and enhancing the region’s reputation within the UK’s creative landscape.