Paramount+ shooting Sexy Beast in Liverpool, UK

Paramount+ is filming its new drama series, Sexy Beast, in Liverpool over the next several months. 

The production will shoot at The Depot studios, as well as various locations across the city, which will double as East London in the 1990s.

It marks the first major production company to use the studios on a long-term basis and coincides with the studio's one year anniversary.

Sexy Beast follows the lives of small-time thieves who get embroiled in the London criminal world and the cast includes James McArdle (Mare of Easttown), Emun Elliott (The Rig). Sarah Greene (Normal People), Stephen Moyer (True Blood) and Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner) who will  be heading to the city to film.

The eight-part series has been written and directed by showrunner Michael Caleo, whose previous credits includes The Sopranos. The show will be produced by Chapter One and Paramount.

Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders, said: “The Depot was always about future-proofing Liverpool’s prime position in the Film and TV industry, and we spent so many years making these two enormous purpose-built studios a reality that I can’t believe they are already a year old!

“The response from the sector has been incredible and we are so proud of what we have been able to achieve with the new facility – I firmly believe The Depot sealed the deal to bring Sexy Beast here as Liverpool now offers a complete package for film and TV producers.

“I’m so delighted this high-end drama is our first long-term tenant and having someone of the calibre of Michael Caleo here is a huge coup. The quality of the casting is outstanding – and to see it all come together in The Depot is hugely rewarding as myself and teams across the city council.

“And this production will of course be the first of many – we are already getting approached regularly about hiring the space and this interest will only grow as word spreads about the incredible facilities we can offer here in Liverpool.” 

Assistant mayor and cabinet member for Culture and Visitor Economy, councillor Harry Doyle, added: “The Depot has been a real game-changer and represents Liverpool’s long-held ambitions to be a 24/7 film city.

“Having a production like Sexy Beast commit to filming in the city for such an extended period of time is testament to the vision of our Film Office team who for many years have had the ambition and drive to make these studios a reality.  It’s a hugely exciting time for Liverpool and this fabulous asset will have a direct, positive impact on jobs, local businesses and training which will nurture talent and benefit not only the city, but the wider film industry.”