Robinson, McGuinness Support NI Creative Industries

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have voiced their support for Northern Ireland's creative industries at a meeting with young people returning from a programme of cinema master-classes in Los Angeles.

The First Minister and deputy First Minister met participants in Cinemagic’s Los Angeles Film Festival to hear about their recent visit to LA, where they took part in workshops and film screenings with a host of film and television industry professionals, including The Jim Henson Company, HBO, 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros.

The First Minister said: "The Northern Ireland Executive is committed to investing in our creative industries and to building on our reputation across the world as an excellent location to invest.

"Cinemagic provides wonderful opportunities for young people to learn about the film and television industries from those who are directly involved in them. It fosters the talent of our young people and gives them the skills and the confidence to live up to their dreams.

"I commend these young people for their hard work and enthusiasm and hope that their experiences will inspire for them in their future careers. The important connections they have made in the industry and the skills they have learnt are a boost to the future of the arts and culture in Northern Ireland."

The deputy First Minister said: "The arts and culture are a vital part of the local economy and on our recent visit to Los Angeles we promoted the local film industry and pitched for more filming projects to take place here.

"The young people involved with Cinemagic have also been promoting our local talent and facilities through their enthusiastic involvement in Cinemagic’s Los Angeles Film Festival.

"The Executive continues to support Cinemagic’s great work to educate, inspire and broaden understanding and awareness of the media industries among our children and young people."

(IT/CD)