NI Screen 'Casting' For Major Role

The search is underway to fill an important movie role in Northern Ireland.

However, unlike parts in the major film productions made in the Province, this job is behind the scenes - helping to encourage more and more film and television productions to use the expanding facilities and varied locations on offer in Northern Ireland.

The NI Screen Commission - which is primarily funded by Invest NI and the Stormont Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure - is seeking a Vice Chair.

NI Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Nelson McCausland said it is an important job: "I am keen to appoint a highly motivated individual to this position.

"An enormous amount of progress has been made over recent years to develop the screen industry in Northern Ireland.

"The Commission has been instrumental in attracting major international film productions to Northern Ireland such as City of Ember, produced by Tom Hanks' company Playtone Productions, and Universal Studios' big budget film Your Highness, which is currently being filmed at the Paint Hall in the Titanic Quarter," he said.

"The Vice Chair will be required to promote the highest standards of accountability and governance in the management of Northern Ireland Screen's staff and financial resources," the DUP Minister continued.

"The successful applicant will also be responsible for contributing to the development of Northern Ireland Screen's public profile and occasionally representing the Commission authoritatively in a wide range of circumstances.

"We have the talent, the expertise, the resources and a welcoming atmosphere that is sure to encourage more and more film and television productions to locate here.

"I hope to appoint a new Vice Chair who will help us to build on the progress that has been made," he concluded.

Northern Ireland Screen's stated mission is to accelerate the development of a dynamic and sustainable screen industry and culture in Northern Ireland.

It was established in 1997 and has eight primary areas of activity including development and production funding; marketing to promote Northern Ireland as a base for production and company development support initiatives for local production companies.

It is also involved in skills development and training for the industry as well as for information services for producers.

See: Hollywood Star For Belfast's Blockbuster

(BMcC/KMcA)