A MAJOR drive to bring international movie moguls to the North West has been launched.

A new North West Film Commission is being set up and will be one of the largest and best funded regional film commissions in Britain.

The commission will attempt to bring in millions of pounds of movie investment by marketing the region for film locations.

Already the North West has provided the backdrop for some memorable movie moments, including Brief Encounter (Carnforth Station), Yanks (filmed around Stockport) and Whistle Down The Wind (Downham, near Clitheroe).

And the commission has some heavyweight backing from some of the biggest names in the industry in its bid to attract more movie-making to the region.

Film director Lord Attenborough was the producer of Whistle Down The Wind.

He said: "It is good news indeed that the region which inspired Brief Encounter and provided splendid locations for In The Name Of The Father and Priest is to benefit from its own Film Commission. "The British film industry is without equal in the wealth of opportunities it can offer domestic and foreign investors and now has a wonderful chance to consolidate its position."

The Liverpool-based commission will work with Film Offices in Lancashire, Chester, Liverpool and Manchester to build up a database of potential locations.

Former Rossendale and Darwen Tory MP David Trippier, now chairman of Marketing Manchester, said: "We are the leading centre for film and TV production outside London so it makes perfect sense for us to have a Film Commission."

And Lancashire County Council leader Louise Ellman added: "This represents an excellent opportunity to develop the region's economy and promote the North West."

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