In recent years, Liverpool has undergone a remarkable transformation from a backdrop for period dramas and music documentaries to a dynamic location for ground-breaking television.
The city’s starring roles, most recently, have been in the hit shows Adolescence and This City is Ours, both of which have not only captivated audiences in the UK and now worldwide, but also redefined Liverpool as a premier filming destination, blending local authenticity with global appeal.
Both Adolescence and This City is Ours leverage Liverpool’s unique urban landscape, using its streets, estates, and iconic waterfront as more than just scenery, they have become integral to the storytelling.
In This City is Ours, Liverpool’s gritty charm and vibrant neighbourhoods provide the perfect backdrop for a crime saga centred on the Phelan family’s criminal empire, with the drama unfolding in recognisable Liverpool locations. The series, created by local writer Stephen Butchard and shot over 17 weeks in the city, has been praised for its authenticity and atmosphere, immersing viewers in the heart of Merseyside life.
Adolescence, meanwhile, brings a psychological crime drama to Liverpool’s schools and homes, following the harrowing story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller. The show’s intense, one-take episodes heighten the realism, with Liverpool’s everyday settings grounding the narrative in a tangible reality. This attention to place has not gone unnoticed, with critics and audiences alike lauding the city’s starring role.
Local storytelling
A key factor in both shows’ success is their commitment to casting real-life Liverpudlians. This City is Ours boasts an ensemble of local actors, including James Nelson-Joyce, Jack McMullen, and Kevin Harvey, whose authentic accents and lived experiences infuse the drama with credibility and emotional depth. Their performances, alongside national stars like Sean Bean, create a compelling blend of local and universal storytelling.
Similarly, Adolescence features a cast led by Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, supported by Liverpool-born Stephen Graham, whose dual role as co-creator and actor underscores the city’s creative influence on the production. This emphasis on local talent not only resonates with viewers but also provides invaluable opportunities for emerging actors and crew.
What sets these series apart is their willingness to tackle challenging issues through a distinctly Liverpudlian lens. This City is Ours weaves a tale of power, loyalty, and betrayal within a criminal underworld, yet never loses sight of the city’s warmth and resilience. The familial and community ties depicted resonate with Liverpool’s own history, making the drama both specific and universal.
Adolescence delves into the complexities of youth, social media, and masculinity, exploring the fallout of a shocking crime in a tight-knit community. The series’ unflinching realism and nuanced characters reflect the city’s own struggles and triumphs, elevating it from a simple crime drama to a profound social commentary.
Hollywood of the North
The success of these productions has had a tangible impact on Liverpool’s economy and creative sector. This City is Ours alone generated millions to boost to the local economy, created hundreds of jobs, and solidified Liverpool’s reputation as the “Hollywood of the North”*.
With over 1,500 productions filmed in the city in the past five years, Liverpool’s film industry is certainly thriving, offering new pathways for local talent and businesses.
Ultimately, the global recognition of Adolescence and This City is Ours is a testament to Liverpool’s unique blend of character, talent, and storytelling. By embracing its own identity and championing local voices, Liverpool has not only become a sought-after filming destination but also a place for authentic, world-class television.
This City Is Ours alone injected nearly £9 million into the Liverpool City Region economy, according to figures from the Liverpool Film Office. This substantial investment came from the production’s spending during its 17-week shoot, which included hiring local crew, using local services, and filming at various city locations. The economic boost translated into the creation and safeguarding of around 300 full-time equivalent jobs for local people, as well as supporting 17 industry trainees and welcoming two apprentices from the Film Office. This not only benefited those directly involved in the film and TV sector but also had a ripple effect on supporting industries such as catering, accommodation, transport, and hospitality.
Screen tourism
Local businesses-ranging from hotels and restaurants to taxi firms and equipment suppliers-experienced increased demand due to the influx of cast, crew, and associated visitors. Moreover, the success of these shows has spurred a rise in screen tourism, as fans and visitors seek out filming locations across the city. This trend offers long-term opportunities for local businesses to create tailored experiences, tours, and packages linked to the city’s cinematic appeal, further embedding film and TV production as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s economy.
Coordinating such large-scale productions, with cast and crew often travelling from across the UK and beyond, requires meticulous planning and expert travel management and this is where companies like Access Bookings prove invaluable.
Specialising in tailored travel solutions for the creative industries, Access Bookings ensures that every member of the production team-from headline stars to behind-the-scenes crew-arrives on time and ready to work, even when travel plans are disrupted. Their attention to detail and local knowledge help productions minimise downtime, keep costs under control, and maintain the smooth running of complex filming schedules.
As Liverpool’s reputation as a filming destination continues to grow, the expertise of travel management specialists will remain a vital part of the city’s ongoing screen success.