Communities Minister Gordon Lyons recently visited Antrim Grammar School to observe the creative education and career development programmes facilitated by Northern Ireland Screen.

The visit highlighted the impact of the Story Builder and Into Film - ScreenWorks schemes, which have received £352,000 in funding from the Department for Communities.

During the visit, the Minister was introduced to a student-built replica of the iconic Star Wars droid, R2D2.

The Minister said: "I was pleased to support and see for myself the work of Into Film in Northern Ireland and am proud that we are leading the way across the UK in developing film education resources and innovative careers programmes.

"Northern Ireland Screen's model of making creativity, cultural access and creative careers accessible to all, through schools is extremely successful and Into Film is a key part of that. "Our creative industries are a major growth area and recent developments, particularly in screen technology, will provide unprecedented opportunities for our young people.

"Clear talent pipelines, and education which builds creative and digital skills and improves career awareness, will be key in helping young people to take advantage of new local opportunities."

The Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, Richard Williams, added: "The screen industry offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities, from writing and directing to animation, VFX and production, and it's vital that young people can see a clear pathway into those roles.

"With support from the Department for Communities, Into Film and ScreenWorks deliver initiatives that strengthen Moving Image Arts, giving students like those we met at Antrim Grammar hands-on experience, industry insight and the confidence to fulfil their potential. By nurturing talent in our classrooms today, we are building the creative workforce of tomorrow here at home."