Ministers welcome ‘A Game of Thrones’ announcement

First Minister Rt.Hon. Peter D. Robinson MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA, have welcomed the announcement that HBO is to film ‘A Games of Thrones’, a nine part television series, in Belfast.

The pilot was filmed in Belfast last year and is set to be an epic project. The production will utilise various locations including the Paint Hall.

Mr McGuinness said: “This announcement is a huge vote of confidence for our film and television industry. As the First Minister and I prepare to head to the United States for a series of engagements with leading investors and political leaders, it demonstrates the potential investment opportunities we can offer US business. It was during our trip to Los Angeles last year that we met with senior executives from HBO to help finalise the deal to bring the TV production to Belfast.

Mr Robinson said: “Securing a project of this size and scale by a worldwide brand such as HBO, is a major coup for Northern Ireland. The growth of the film industry is an example of a new innovative attitude to business in Northern Ireland. The transformation of the Paint Hall from the last remnant of our once great ship building tradition to the largest stage in Europe, is an example of our flexibility and our commitment to innovation. This announcement is also a major endorsement of our local talent and of the calibre of people that we can provide to potential investors."

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