Minister sees Creative Industry behind the cameras at Green Inc

The Creative Industries have a vital economic role to play in the North, Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said.
~ Wednesday, 1 February 2012

The Minister today visited the headquarters of Green Inc in Holywood, and heard how the local business has become a leading force in film and television production.

The Minister said: “Companies such as Green Inc show the importance of creativity as an economic force in the North. Its television and film work will be familiar to viewers across Ireland and beyond.

“In a highly competitive sector, against the backdrop of a challenging financial landscape, Green Inc has proved itself as a dynamic and vibrant firm who have used creativity and innovation to succeed.

“The company can be proud of what they have achieved so far, and confident as they face the challenges of the future.”

This visit was an opportunity to highlight DCAL’s support to the creative industries and the importance of the sector to the local economy - in particular the potential for the region to grow lucrative work in film and television and post-production.

The Minister added: “The Creative Industries are one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. They contribute significantly to job and wealth creation in the North, employing around 31,000 people and generating £737million annually for the local economy.

“The importance of the Creative Industries is recognised within the new Programme for Government. The Executive realises the importance of promoting innovation and creativity and aims to support 200 projects over 2011-15 through the Creative Industries Innovation Fund.”

Notes to editors:

1. Formed in 1996, Green Inc is based in Holywood and is the biggest producer of television programmes in Ireland. They also sell into international markets and have considerable presence on the BBC and RTE networks.
2. Specialising in Entertainment, Factual Entertainment and Comedy programming, Green Inc was formed in 1996 by Stephen Stewart and Patrick Kielty, launched on the commission of Last Chance Lottery for C4.
3. With main offices in Belfast and Dublin, and production offices in London and Glasgow, Green Inc has produced over 200 hours of television in the past year.
4. Current productions include Four Live and The Daily Show (live, daytime studio magazine shows for RTÉ One) and Ask Rhod Gilbert, (comedy panel series for BBC One hosted by award winning Welsh standup comedian Rhod Gilbert) and both The Many Faces of Judi Dench and the Many Faces of Les Dawson were in BBC2’s top five programmes over Christmas.
5. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Communications Office Tel 028 9051 5047 or email: communications@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.