There has been a sharp rise in the number of productions filmed in Liverpool, according to a director of an agency that supplies extras to TV and film companies

According to Karl Prescott, of 10 Twenty-Two Casting, demand for extras has risen this year as a growing number of producers use the city as a backdrop to filming.

He told the Liverpool Daily Post that there are several big productions in the pipeline. Mr Prescott recently provided Japanese extras for a major Japanese TV drama filmed in the city.

"Looking at what's coming up it's going to be really exciting. There's more to come this year and even stuff pencilled in for early next. I'm very positive and upbeat," he said.

He added: "2008 has been fantastic."

The city's profile has been raised by the successful Capital of Culture 08 celebrations. The numbers of people visiting the city and its attractions have surprised even tourist officials.

For example, Tate Liverpool director Christoph Grunenberg said the attendance figures for the Klimt exhibition have exceeded all expectations.