Film production group opens new base to tap into region’s thriving industry

A London-based media group is setting up a post-production film and TV operation in Liverpool, and has pledged to work with local partners to provide opportunities for new talent.

Molinare Creative Group said its DIT (digital imaging technician) and LAB division, Notorious DIT, is opening a facility at the Liverpool Innovation Park in the first phase of its expansion plans.

The move comes as part of a larger strategy to strengthen the company’s ties outside London and support regional film and television productions, conveniently located for Liverpool, Manchester, and Yorkshire.

Notorious DIT will provide its whole suite of services, including, DIT, data management, LAB and on-set and near-set services for productions filming locally in the region.

The expansion is stage one of the group’s plans for Liverpool. Working closely with the Liverpool Film Office, the Molinare Creative Group is set to expand its offering further to include offline editorial, ADR and finishing post production services.

The Liverpool City Region is fast becoming the biggest film and TV hub outside London. Liverpool has been the backdrop to some of the biggest dramas to hit UK screens over the past 12 months, including Paramount+’s Sexy Beast and A Gentleman in Moscow as well as the BBC’s, Time and The Responder.

Liverpool City Council is currently transforming the former Littlewoods Pools building, on Edge Lane, into a world-class film and TV campus.

Molinare said its plans for growth are in line with the efforts of Liverpool Film Office, which has announced plans to support more than 1,000 diverse new entrants into the screen sector over the next three years.

Further to setting up operations in the region, Notorious DIT will work with Liverpool Film Office to increase opportunities for home grown talent. This will initially involve running training sessions and on-set work experience, focusing on DIT and LAB. As the group develops its presence in the region, the ambition is to set up final post-training facilities, nurturing local talent and enabling real world experience.

Michael Pentney, Managing Director, Notorious DIT, said: “Notorious DIT is a born and bred Newcastle company with a legacy of working across the North West. Setting up a permanent hub is an important moment for us, it feels like we’re coming home.

“Not only are we able to provide a more consistent service, having a presence in Liverpool means we can cultivate talent and be a positive part of change. This is an exciting time, and I can’t wait to get fully immersed into our new Northern family.”

Nigel Bennett, CEO, Molinare Creative Group, said: “There is a great wealth of talent, facilities, and landscape beyond that of the M25.

“Whilst London, and specifically the impressive streets off Carnaby Street, have been Molinare’s home for over 50 years, there is so much more of England that we, as an industry, should be utilising and exploring.

“Lynn and her team at Liverpool Film Office have done an incredible job of building a vibrant film and TV industry in Liverpool, and with their impressive growth plans, I’m excited to be on this journey with them.”

He added: “Since joining Molinare, I have always endeavoured to create as diverse workforce as possible. However, it can’t be denied that cost of living in London has always been prohibitive in hiring people from different socioeconomic backgrounds. As we continue to embrace the regions, we continue to provide opportunities and develop talent around the UK, which is something I couldn’t be prouder of.”

Lynn Saunders, Head of Liverpool Film Office, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Oscar and BAFTA award-winning Molinare Creative Group to Liverpool, in what is their first base outside of London.

“This is fantastic news not only for the film, TV and gaming industries, but for the Liverpool City Region as a whole, as this move will undoubtedly attract a new wave of investment and provide a much welcomed boost to the local economy.

“Together with the Molinare team we will be working closely and exploring opportunities for new entrants and established crew to develop and nurture their skills to assist in our aim of creating a more diverse and inclusive screen workforce in the Liverpool City Region.”