Marvel Productions, famous for X-Men, Fantastic Four and The Hulk, will use areas of Manchester and Liverpool this September, in a shoot that is estimated to last two-three weeks. In Manchester the Northern Quarter will be transformed to 1940s New York, filming one of the movie’s major scenes, which will involve a dramatic car chase. In Liverpool the production will be based around the Docklands area.
The filming location was organised with the help of Vision+Media and the Liverpool film office, who have previously facilitated major movie productions in the region including Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Alfie (2004).
Susan Williams, Drama Liaison Manager at Vision+Media comments:
“We were approached in February by the locations manager who wanted 1940s New York streets. Manchester’s Northern Quarter is one of our most popular filming locations in city, thanks to its versatility. The area was a convincing Victorian London in Sherlock Holmes last year and more recently it became1980s Soho for the BBC’s Worried About The Boy drama. We suggested the area to Marvel as its wide streets, towering buildings and pre-war architecture will make the perfect 1940s New York.
Once the location was confirmed, it was our job to consult with Manchester City Council, CityCo, local businesses and residents, to ensure that it is a positive experience for all involved. We believe that projects such as this provide significant financial benefits for the region, providing opportunities for hotels, catering outlets and the regions talented production crew. Previous filming in Greater Manchester has brought in an estimated £23 million GVA, so we think that a project of this scale will give the city’s economy a serious boost."
Louis D'Esposito, the film’s Executive Producer said:
"We are delighted and proud to be shooting Captain America: The First Avenger in the UK. In particular, we would like to thank those individuals and organizations whose help has been invaluable in facilitating our filming requests in Manchester and Liverpool. The communities have been so welcoming, helpful and accommodating and we really hope that we don't cause too much inconvenience during our shoot."
Captain America: The First Avenger is based on the comic book of the same name, Hollywood actor Chris Evans will play Captain America with Joe Johnston directing a script by David Self, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The movie also stars British Actor Dominic Cooper, who will play Howard Stark, a weapons entrepreneur who featured in this year’s Iron Man 2 movie. The film is scheduled for release in July 2011.
The story follows a brave, yet mild-mannered, young soldier named Steve Rogers, who volunteers to undergo a series of experiments for the US Army Super Soldier program. The military succeeds in transforming him into a human weapon, Steve Rogers becomes Captain America and earns his way into the hearts and souls of every American, bringing hope and justice to a war-weary nation.
Read the full article in the Manchester Evening News by downloading the article at the top of the page.
Also available to download in the Manchester Evening News Comments column detailing the role Vision+Media played in Marvel productions coming to the North West and the risk to similar inward investment with the proposed abolition of the UK Film Council:
Read what the BBC has to say
Vision+Media are working closely with the production team as they prepare to shoot in the region. We are currently helping to source specific crew grades as the demands of the shoots in Manchester and Liverpool become clearer.
Interested crew should ensure that they are registered on our free to use crew and facilities database, Northern Exposure – and existing members who are registered should ensure that their credits, CVs and profiles are up-to-date.
Vision+Media have no involvement in the casting process for films. For general information on being an extra please visit www.castingcollective.co.uk