11/10/2012

New Sound Stages Opened At Titanic Studios

Northern Ireland’s growing film industry has received another boost following the opening of two new sound stages.

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness officially opened the sound stages at the Titanic Studios in Belfast following an £8m investment.

The stages were constructed in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and will provide 42,000 sq ft of extra studio space in addition to the 70,000 sq ft Paint Hall building.

The facilities will be marketed globally by NI Screen as it works to secure new international film and television projects. The £8.3m project was assisted by a £3.4m loan from Invest NI.

The First Minister said: "Located in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, these new sound stages represent the very best in modern, purpose built studio space. Northern Ireland has successfully secured a significant number of film and television productions in recent years with productions such as Game of Thrones and Your Highness."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness added: "Today’s event clearly demonstrates the collective commitment and determination of both the private and public sectors to turn this region into a global hub for the creative industries. Titanic Studios will provide over 100,000 square feet of high specification workspace, ensuring that we have the capacity, capability and confidence to attract global players like HBO and Universal, and fully realise the potential of our creative sector."

The stages have been named after two Belfast born film makers: the Hurst Stage named after director Brian Desmond Hurst and the MacQuitty Stage named after producer William MacQuitty.

(IT)

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