The First Minister and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have met with the President of Production and other Senior Executives at HBO and attended an event showcasing the work of young people participating in the Cinemagic festival in Los Angeles.

The visits are part of a US trade mission undertaken by Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, during which the Ministers have pledged to encourage support for Northern Ireland's creative industries.

HBO produces fantasy drama Game of Thrones which, filmed in Northern Ireland, is the largest TV drama production in Europe and spends in excess of £20m in the local economy.

The First Minister said: "The estimated economic impact of Game of Thrones, and employment, is expected to exceed £82m. This includes all expenditure generated in the local economy such as wages and salaries of Northern Ireland resident cast and crew, tourism, construction, facilities and transport hire. The full economic benefit of Game of Thrones is much greater when coupled with the wider and regional benefits that have been derived to date.

"We used our meeting today with the President of Production, Mike Lombardo and other Senior Executives at HBO to press for further opportunities."

The deputy First Minister said: "Game of Thrones has returned each year since 2009, basing production in Belfast and utilising various locations and is now HBO’s most successful current on air show. Returning every year is the best possible endorsement of what we have to offer. Over the period 2009-2013, Game of Thrones has created 941 Full Time Equivalent jobs (FTEs) not including those employed on shorter term daily contracts which would exceed 5,700."

The Ministers also attended an event promoting the work of young people in the Cinemagic festival in Los Angeles.

Speaking at the event, First Minister Peter Robinson said: "Northern Ireland’s creative industries sector is continuing to grow at a remarkable pace creating employment opportunities for hundreds of people and generating millions of pounds in our local economy. The creative skills and experiences our young people gain through Cinemagic and working with industry experts leaves them well placed to follow their chosen career.

"Working in Belfast, Dublin, England, France and the US, Cinemagic is truly a global success. Cinemagic plays a vital role developing our young people by providing opportunities for both personal and professional development.

"I commend Cinemagic's CEO Joan Burney Keatings and all the Cinemagic staff for their hard work which has resulted in young people from Northern Ireland having the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents."

(IT/MH)