Steve Morrison, the former chief executive of UK television broadcaster Granada, has been appointed as chair of North West Vision - the body responsible for developing film and television in the north west of England.

With an annual budget of £1.3m, North West Vision is primarily funded by the Film Council. Its remit includes training as well as providing seed money for the development of film and television projects. Projects backed so far include Neil Marshall's Dog Soldiers as well as Marshall's next film, The Sound And The Fury. North West Vision provides a maximum of £20,000 per project.

Morrison told Screendaily that one of his key roles would be to act as an advocate for regional production to the UK government, which is currently in the process of framing new broadcasting legislation.

Morrison spent 28 years working for Granada, a company which has its roots in the north west of England. He joined the company in 1974, founding Granada Film in 1985 before becoming Granada director of programmes in 1987. His film credits include My Left Foot, Jack And Sarah and The Field. He announced his departure from Granada in August last year, soon after the collapse of ITV Digital with which he was closely identified.

Morrison commented: "It's wonderful to be putting something back into an area where I have worked so long."

Set up last year, North West Vision has its official launch on January 16 at The Lowry, Salford Quays. Its chief executive is Alice Morrison.