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Northern movie industry wins a £12million boost THE
NORTH of Ireland’s film industry is to target more Hollywood movie
productions after receiving a £12million cash boost.
Invest Northern Ireland has pledged the money to the Northern Ireland
Film and Television Commission (NIFTC).
It will be used to encourage high-profile movie projects to be made in
the North.
The area has become a much-sought after venue for filmmakers with a number
of high-profile movies choosing to film there.
Recently, Neil Jordan’s Breakfast On Pluto, Lord Attenborough’s
Closing the Ring and Buy, Borrow, Steal starring Heather Graham were shot
in the city.
The cameras are set to roll this summer on a high-budget children’s
sci-fi adventure, City of Ember, in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
The North has also secured two children’s television productions
for CITV Bel’s Boys about a fictional boyband and the return of
the puppet Emu, with Rod Hull’s place being taken by his son Toby.
NIFTC chairman Colin Anderson believes the latest cash injection was another
significant stage in the development of the industry.
He said: “Invest NI’s £12million investment will enable
us to build upon past successes.
“It also allows us to seek new opportunities for the local film
and television sector from within Britain and internationally.
“In the face of increasing global competition, the NIFTC has steadily
increased its ability to attract film and television projects to Northern
Ireland and is committed to developing a sustainable, dynamic screen industry
and culture here.”
In March last year, a 14-strong delegation of producers, directors and
movie industry journalists toured Ireland.
They looked at a number of possible locations including Dunluce Castle
in Borth Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway and Crom Castle in Co. Fermanagh.
Economy Minister Nigel Dodds, who outlined the latest investment, said
the cash had enabled the commission to secure 18 major film and television
inward investment projects.
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