The stars are in Northern Ireland for tonight’s world premiere of Lord Attenborough’s latest movie, Closing the Ring, being screened at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.
The Ministers were joint hosts at a special lunch for stars of the film at Stormont and speaking in advance, Edwin Poots said: “Movie producers are recognising that Northern Ireland has a lot to offer the international film industry. We have perfect locations with breathtaking scenery across Northern Ireland, we have the people, actors, cameramen and technicians, and we have the ability to deliver.
“And from his part in this film, local actor Marty McCann has been plucked from relative obscurity, to a lead role in Stephen Spielberg’s war series Pacific, the sequel to Band of Brothers, filmed recently in Melbourne . This is indeed a dream come true for him and inspiration for others trying to make it big.”
Welcoming members of the cast to Northern Ireland, Mr Dodds said: “One of my first responsibilities as Economy Minister was to announce £12million of additional funding for Northern Ireland Screen through Invest NI. Today, with a commercial world premiere in Belfast, it is clear that this funding is helping Northern Ireland Screen to deliver on its strategic objectives.”
The Minister continued: “Since 2003, the global screen industry has already delivered around £30million into the local economy. Invest NI will continue to support growth in the creative and digital content sectors, I hope to see further economic benefits from more producers choosing Northern Ireland as their premier filming location.”
Colin Anderson, Chairman of Northern Ireland Screen added: “The Commission has been closely involved with Closing the Ring, supporting it through development and production funding and facilitating its set build at Maysfield. I am delighted to be a part of this wonderful success story and extend sincere congratulations to Lord Attenborough and Jo Gilbert.
“This film is a fine example of our ability, in the face of increasing global competition, to attract film and television projects to Northern Ireland and a reflection of our passionate commitment to develop a sustainable, dynamic screen industry and culture.”
The production, which is based on a true wartime story, was filmed on location in North Belfast and Cave Hill last year. The film received £800,000 of assistance from Northern Ireland Screen - the national screen agency for Northern Ireland - which is funded by Invest NI, the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and the UK Film Council.
It is hoped that up and coming local talent and star of the movie Martin McCann, alongside other stars of the silver screen, Pete Postlethwaite and Mischa Barton will join Lord Attenborough and Ms MacLaine at Stormont.
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. After hours duty press officer pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
