LIVERPOOL FILM OFFICE LAUNCHES FILM & TV DEVELOPMENT FUND IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Liverpool Film Office, using funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund, has stepped up its support for regionally based producers, writers and other creative talent during the coronavirus pandemic by launching a £250,000 single project development pot using funds repurposed from its existing production fund.
The new fund will support a wide range of feature film and TV content, including both scripted and factual programming, with development awards of between £2,500 and £25,000. It is open to established and start-up production companies based in and around Liverpool as well as to out-of-region producers looking to co-produce or collaborate with Liverpool-based talent.
Mindful of the financial difficulties faced by many, Film Office staff are promising a responsive and streamlined service via a dedicated online application portal and an indicative 10 working days turnaround for funding decisions.
Priority will be given to diverse, high quality projects that commit to spending a significant proportion of their development budget within the local creative sector, and that have the greatest potential to move quickly into production in the city region once the market returns. The Film Office will actively support producers to leverage its funding in their discussions with broadcasters, commissioning platforms and other market partners.
Christopher Moll, Fund Advisor for the development and production funds, said: “Top class development remains the lifeblood of the wider production sector so it’s vital that we double down on our support for new ideas and talent development as well as for our established local writers and producers at this most challenging time.
“We want to move fast and turbocharge the bounce back in Liverpool through our two funds.”
Cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Our creative industries are a vital part of this city’s identity and we welcome this essential funding from the Combined Authority.
“Liverpool is a forward thinking, future thinking city and, in these most difficult times, Liverpool Film Office recognised the need to be proactive in its response to the impact COVID-19 is having in our creative communities. As in all industries, livelihoods have disappeared overnight and individuals and businesses are struggling. Our Film Office have a 30 year history in supporting the Film and TV industry and so it should come as no surprise that it should come forward with a quick, decisive way to show its commitment to the sector at this time”
“I encourage organisations involved with our film, TV or music industry to apply for this funding which will go some way to ensure their future and overcome the challenges the current health crisis poses to our much loved creative sector.”
The fund is open now and further information can be found at: liverpoolfilmoffice.tv/developmentfund