Speaking at the premiere at Movie House, Dublin Road the Minister said: “A decade ago it would have been hard to believe that a major Hollywood production company would choose Northern Ireland as the location for a film with a budget in excess of £50million. No-one would have dared to imagine a glamorous European premiere in Belfast complete with red carpet and bright lights. This is a celebration of what can be achieved and of how Northern Ireland can shine on the world stage.
“Producers are recognising that Northern Ireland has a lot to offer the international film industry. We have talented people with both technical and creative skills and of course we have the perfect scenic locations. We also have an ideal studio facility in the Paint Hall in the Titanic Quarter - one of the few in Europe that could accommodate a production on the scale of City of Ember.”
The Minister went on to congratulate Northern Ireland Screen on the many years of hard work they have put in to developing the industry here. The commission supported City of Ember with production funding of £800,000 from the Northern Ireland Screen Fund supported by Invest NI and the film went on to generate significant further spend in the local economy.
The Minister also thanked the producers Walden Media and Tom Hanks’ Play Tone Productions for bringing such a huge production to Northern Ireland.
The Minister concluded: “The film industry is a flagship industry which offers huge commercial potential. Perhaps this experience will inspire our young people to pursue a career in front of the camera or behind the lens. It is my hope that in future more television and film productions will be filmed in Northern Ireland. This will ensure that the local talent base has the opportunity to continue to develop its talents and bring the added benefits of large scale investment to Northern Ireland.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Northern Ireland Screen Commission is the national screen agency for Northern Ireland. Its aim is to accelerate the development of a dynamic and sustainable screen industry in Northern Ireland.
- All media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9025 8901 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk or to DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Out of hours duty press officer pager number 07699 715440.
