Cannes2005

North West Vision to Put Liverpool on Movie Map in Cannes

Friday 13th May 2005

Executives from North West Vision are on a mission to promote Liverpool as a world-class filmmaking destination at the Cannes Film Festival this weekend.

Championing the world heritage city to increase film production, the team will be meeting with international film industry professionals and promoting Liverpool's diverse filming locations, first class facilities, creative talent, supportive film office, and more importantly North West Vision's Merseyside Film and TV Fund (MFTVF).

Liverpool has always had a reputation as a popular filming destination and in 1989 Liverpool City Council opened the Liverpool Film Office: the UK's premier film office. Based on the New York model, the film office has been instrumental in generating filming in Liverpool and in turn, millions of pounds of inward investment for the city.

North West Vision, the film and TV agency for England's Northwest (the regional arm of the UK Film Council) now manages the day-to-day running of the film office and is supported by Liverpool City Council. Lynn Saunders was seconded from Liverpool City Council and is the Head of Inward Investment at North West Vision.

Commenting on her imminent promotional trip to Cannes, Lynn said:

"Producers and directors from around the world travel to Cannes with the intention of finding locations to film their next project. I will be pitching Liverpool to them. As well as fabulous locations, Liverpool now has its own film studios and a talented base of local crew. We have a huge choice of creative talent available from internationally known actors to fabulous set designers. We are developing a worldwide reputation as a great place to come and make movies. It is vital we capitalise on that - and Cannes is the place to do it."

North West Vision hopes that its Merseyside Film and TV Fund (MFTVF), primarily made up of Objective One money from Europe, will entice more filmmakers into the city. The fund has already been beneficial in creating jobs and bringing investment into the region.

Head of funds, Chris Moll who is flying out to Cannes said:

"The Merseyside Film and TV Fund (MFTVF) has been created to support the growth of the screen industries on Merseyside. As well as attracting the best talent and projects to the city, the fund is generating a professional infrastructure that can offer skills and services that are the equal of anything else in the UK."

Accompanying North West Vision executives in Cannes will be eight of the Northwest's finest up and coming filmmakers. Supported by North West Vision and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the filmmakers will get a chance to showcase their work and network with industry professionals.

Filmmakers from North West Vision's 2004 Diverse Digital Shorts Scheme were invited to apply for a bursary to allow them to experience the Cannes Film Festival circuit first hand. All selected candidates will submit a report on their return.

The Diverse Digital Shorts were shot on location in Liverpool during 2004 and will be premiered at Cannes. The 10 short films will be screened at the short film corner, Lower Floor, Palais Du Festival at 11.30am on Sunday 15th May.

The shorts are due to have a Merseyside premiere later this year.

Ends

For further editorial information contact Lisa Hill or Rachael Pilsbury at North West Vision on 0161 835 6266 or 0151 708 2967 or email lisah@northwestvision.co.uk

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