For a long time, the common myth was that an actor had to live in London to get standard screen work. But times have changed. If you are based in Manchester, Leeds, or Liverpool, you are sitting right in the middle of one of the most dynamic television hubs in Europe.
Production companies have fallen in love with Northern locations, not just for the iconic skylines, but for the incredible creative energy here. Here is a look at what has been filming right outside your front door.
Manchester’s drama circuit
Manchester continues to be a powerhouse for television. Alongside the enduring legacy of Waterloo Road, the city recently welcomed The Split Up, a high-stakes BBC legal spin-off diving deep into Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce circuit.
From the historic streets of Castlefield to the ultra-modern hubs of MediaCity, camera crews are a permanent fixture of the city.
Liverpool: the ultimate screen double
Liverpool has earned a massive reputation as one of the most film-friendly cities in the world. It regularly doubles for London, New York, and even Gotham City.
Major recent productions include the hit BBC crime drama This City Is Ours, Tony Schumacher’s casino thriller The Cage starring Sheridan Smith, and Netflix’s highly anticipated thriller Run Away.
Yorkshire’s cinematic landscapes
Over in Leeds and across Yorkshire, the landscape offers everything from gritty urban backdrops to sweeping period locations.
High-end productions like Danny Boyle’s new media drama Ink, starring Guy Pearce, have chosen Yorkshire as their filming home, proving that the region’s industry footprint is only growing larger.
What this means for you
Every show that sets up camp in the North represents a massive opportunity for local actors. These productions need local casting, background artists, and day-player roles.
There has never been a better time to take TV acting classes, refine your screen craft, and get industry-ready right here in the North.
