Northwest Vision and Media, create the bigger picture
Blackpool
Bright, bold and beautiful, Blackpool is not only one of the Northwest's most popular tourist resorts, it is also a unique and versatile filming location.
Made in Blackpool
Blackpool is the backdrop to the all-singing, all-dancing BBC One
drama of the same name (starring David Morrissey), and has long
welcomed film crews to its shores.
Productions such as, Cutting It, Where the Heart Is, Coronation Street, Magnificent Seven, Funland, Northern Lights and Max & Paddy's Road to Nowhere, to name but a few, have all filmed in this unique seaside town. The feature film, The Parole Officer (starring Steve Coogan) also shot a scene on the Pepsi Max Big One.
2006 will see David Morrissey return as the infamous Ripley Holden in Viva Blackpool, a one-off magical, musical spectacular from the award-winning writer Peter Bowker, creator of the Golden Globe nominated original series, Blackpool.
Blackpool as a Filming Location
"Blackpool was one of the most co-operative places I have ever shot in. There is such a variety of locations, both in Blackpool and very close by, using Blackpool as the base." Peter Chelsom, Director (Shall We Dance, Funnybones, Hear My Song)
The fly on the wall Pleasure Beach documentary in 1998 saw visitor numbers rise by nearly 30%. Blackpool knows the benefits that filming can have for the local economy and tourism figures, and is increasingly accommodating to filming.
Louise Facey, Press Officer, Blackpool Pleasure Beach said:
"We can open rides early or late to suit schedules, fit and check camera mounts on certain rides, provide props, extras and costumes from our agency Stageworks Worldwide Productions and dress stalls and shops to suit the director. We can offer exclusive access to the park and use of the rides and attractions when no one else is around for convenience, security and discretion when filming. There are also large car parks situated on site, which are ideal for a unit base.
We're used to quirky and unusual requests and always envisage to accommodate film crews whenever we can."
You can't think of Blackpool without thinking of Blackpool Tower. The grade 1* listed building was specifically designed and built to entertain visitors. Once inside, the Tower boasts a colourful explosion of entertainment and a host of diverse areas to use as filming locations. These include, the enchanting Tower Ballroom, the Tower Top with the glass floored Walk of Faith and the amazing Tower Circus arena, which fills with over 40,000 gallons of water. There are also the aquatic wonders of Undersea World and the UK's largest indoor adventure playground, Jungle Jim's.
Kate Lamb, Press Officer at Blackpool Tower says:
"The Tower is unique in appearance, it can take you back to Victorian times to the present day. Filmmakers have repeatedly returned to the Tower due to the fact that the team can accommodate their requirements whilst still being able to attend to visitors needs. "
So why should filmmakers go to Blackpool? Lynda Bannister, North West Vision's Lancashire Film Liaison Officer says:
"Access to filming in the town is much easier than many areas of the UK, and it's cheaper too. This includes accommodation, vehicle parking and location hire. The town is film friendly, and the Film Liaison contact for Blackpool Borough Council, Mike Chadwick, has many years experience of assisting filmmakers; he knows the answers to your questions before you've asked them!"
About Blackpool
Blackpool boasts over twelve miles of Promenade. Its trademark
trams are eye-catching and fully operational, carrying more than
120,000 people on a busy summer's day.
Three spectacular piers frame the coastline. The North Pier comes complete with Victorian-style carousel, sun lounge, cabaret bars and theatre.
Blackpool has recently received over £9 million from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), for a make over which includes the creation of an urban park - the first new park in Blackpool for 80 years.
Other Attractions
Blackpool Zoo
The Golden Mile
The Sandcastle
Stanley Park
Blackpool Sea Life Centre
