Northern Ireland receives £10m film package

The Northern Ireland film industry is to receive almost £10 million in extra funding, which, according to Finance minister Ian Pearson, will transform the province into "a centre of expertise and excellence in filmmaking and television production."

The minister was speaking at ‘The Most Powerful Industry in the World’, an event hosted by the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC) and attended by NIFTC Honorary President Kenneth Branagh, industry representatives and local politicians.

Mr Pearson said: “I am very pleased to be able to announce a set of measures that should see Government support for the film and television industry in Northern Ireland more than doubling over the next three years.

"These measures will further stimulate entrepreneurial activity, create a significantly more competitive independent production sector and increase the level of film production activity in Northern Ireland."

Invest NI will provide up to £4.4 million over three years to strengthen and stimulate the development of the sector. Furthermore, subject to EU approval, Invest NI have also set aside £5.5 million to establish a new film production fund, the focus of which shall be to increase the volume and value of film production in Northern Ireland.

Outlining the NIFTC’s strategy, Colin Anderson, NIFTC Chairman, said: “Our aims are to harness the most powerful industry in the world, and this funding will enable the NIFTC to make a real impact here. This is a key creative industry that will stimulate local cultural and economic development and provide rewarding employment opportunities in a sector that is currently underdeveloped.

“There is no doubt that we have the talent to make this happen. We can promote an enterprise culture and provide greater employment opportunities for local people to make the most of this rapidly growing industry. We can make Northern Ireland an internationally recognised centre of excellence in this important business sector.”

Kenneth Branagh, the Belfast born actor, director and producer, also welcomed the news and said: “Look what this industry has done for a small country like New Zealand with the Lord of the Rings films. There is no reason why Northern Ireland should not position itself similarly on the world stage. This initial funding will help the industry here move to its next stage.”

Key features of the NIFTC plans are the creation of a new Company Development Fund to help build a number of world-class, competitive production businesses.

Also on the cards is a Product Development Fund for television, animation and digital media, operated on a loan basis to ensure wide access to development opportunities by all Northern Ireland producers, irrespective of their current size.

The strategy also includes extensive international and local marketing and support for initiatives to stimulate interest in film, television and new media in schools and colleges; strengthen links between the universities and the industry; provide further backing for local film festivals; develop a digital film archive; and assist script and producer development.

The announcement ends a six-month wait for the NIFTC, who had feared the suspension of local government would damage their campaign for extra funding.

(GB)