How two sisters are strengthening Liverpool’s film industry

Liverpool is now the UK’s most-filmed city outside London with major productions taking place across the city.

At the heart of its thriving screen industry are two sisters helping to make the magic happen.

Faye and Claire Newton, long-established location managers with credits on Peaky Blinders, Bridgerton, The Ipcress File and Amazon’s Heads of State, founded Liverpool Locations to connect productions with local expertise and create new opportunities for people entering the industry.

“We love what we do, but it was about finding a way to stay in this exciting industry while also having a family life,” says Faye.

“Liverpool Locations gave us the balance we needed – and a platform to grow something bigger.”

Through contacts at the Liverpool Film Office, Faye and Claire (pictured) were introduced to Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service, funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Despite their experience, the sisters faced a familiar challenge for many small businesses – visibility. “People didn’t always know who we were,” explains Faye. “We realised that if we wanted to keep working on the projects we loved – and do it on our own terms – we needed to put ourselves out there on another level.”

With support from business advisor Mark Butchard, the sisters refined their business strategy, strengthened their online presence, and developed new ways to grow their profile and community impact.

“Mark helped us find focus,” says Faye. “He’d give us a mission and check in on our progress. It gave us structure and accountability when we were struggling to find time to move the business forward.”

From those sessions came Crew Night – a relaxed networking event bringing together everyone from costume designers to camera operators, creating space for genuine connection across Liverpool’s screen community.

What began as an idea is now a fixture in the city’s creative calendar, attracting hundreds of attendees and fostering collaboration and opportunity.

Alongside Crew Night, Faye and Claire have expanded their training programme, supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) through the Liverpool Film Office, helping dozens of new entrants find work in film and TV.

“We’ve built something we’re really proud of,” says Faye. “We’re helping people find their way into this amazing industry – and keeping experienced crew connected, too.”

With ongoing business support, Liverpool Locations has grown into a thriving enterprise that’s helping to sustain the region’s creative economy.

Their work has:

Strengthened Liverpool’s crew base through training and mentoring

Supported economic growth by linking productions with local professionals

Created new opportunities for freelancers and small businesses across the city

Kept Liverpool firmly on the film and TV map

Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, says:

“Liverpool Locations is a brilliant example of how local businesses can grow and thrive with the right support. Faye and Claire have shown that with creativity, collaboration and determination, Liverpool businesses can compete on a national – and international – stage.”

Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service has received £451,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.

The service offers free, tailored advice for small and growing businesses, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Find out more here.

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