Ridley Scott Heads New NI Films

Ridley Scott will be presenting and producing a new slate of films to be made in Northern Ireland.

Scott Free Productions, brainchild of acclaimed directors Ridley and Tony Scott, will be partnering with Northern Ireland Screen to produce six low-budget feature films over a period of three years.

Ridley Scott, director of Alien, Blade Runner and Gladiator, will executive produce and present the films, which will consist mostly of horror, thriller and science fiction.

The films will be shot primarily in Northern Ireland using resident crew, cast, services and facilities.

The deal is being put together with the participation of studio Focus Features International and producer Orchard Media.

Ridley Scott said: "Our target is to create a structure that enables filmmakers to push boundaries and to excite audiences. Our proposed model of film making allows us to give directors the opportunity to really innovate through narrative, production techniques and distribution strategies."

Scott Free London's Liza Marshall and Jack Arbuthnott said: "This slate is a fantastic opportunity to work in a genuinely liberating and creative way to make distinctive, commercial films."

The deal was brokered by Orchard Founder Adam Kulick and Chris Billows, Orchard’s Head of Media. They commented: "We believe this is a very exciting opportunity for talent, distributors and investors. Filmmakers often spend a great deal of time and energy raising and closing financing. By funding the slate up front we can allow filmmakers to focus entirely on the creative aspects of the filmmaking process."

Head of Production for Northern Ireland Screen Andrew Reid said: "We have been looking for a model which would allow us to forecast future production in Northern Ireland over the next few years.

"Orchard and Scott Free brought us a compelling proposition to complement our other large incoming productions, such as Game of Thrones. It also potentially provides an outlet for developing Northern Ireland creative talent."

(IT)