Local screen industry receives £12m boost

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds announced a £12 million package for the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC) in Belfast, today.

The Invest NI funding, for the NIFTC’s new three year strategy ‘Building on Success’, will help the Commission to continue to drive forward the development of the local film and television industry and contribute to the development of the local economy.

Announcing the investment, the Minister said: “Since 2003 Invest NI has supported the NIFTC in its work to promote Northern Ireland as an international film and television production location and as a region with world class creativity in this sector. This support has enabled the Commission to secure 18 major film and television inward investment projects, which generated an additional spend of more than £16 million in Northern Ireland.

“The independent television sector has a current turnover of £20 million per annum, making it a valuable part of our local economy.

“Today’s £12m investment will support the NIFTC as it builds on its achievements and continues Northern Ireland’s rapid growth in one of the most powerful industries in the world.”

Colin Anderson, Chairman of the NIFTC, commented on the investment saying: “Today marks a significant stage in the development of the NIFTC and our forward strategy. Invest NI’s £12 million investment will enable us to build upon past successes and seek new opportunities for the local film and television sector from within the UK 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.”

Invest NI-supported film and television productions in Northern Ireland include: Walden Media and Playtone Production’s 'City of Ember', a major Hollywood feature currently in pre-production at the former Paint Hall in the Titanic Quarter; Lord Attenborough’s 'Closing the Ring'; Initial’s (an Endemol Company) television series' 'Emu' and 'Bel’s Boys'; indigenous feature film 'Middletown' and Oscar-winning director Neil Jordan’s 'Breakfast on Pluto'.

(JM/KMcA)