Dracula Movie To Be Filmed In NI

A Hollywood studio has confirmed it is to film a new movie in Northern Ireland.

Universal Pictures' production of Dracula will be based in Belfast, but will be filmed across various locations within NI.

The shoot, which will begin in August and is expected to last for three months, will receive financial support from Northern Ireland Screen.

Northern Ireland Screen, which is funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund, is to contribute £1.65m to support the film. The government-backed film agency said it estimated that the production would deliver £15m expenditure on goods and services in Northern Ireland.

Of the announcement, First Minister Peter Robinson said: "The Northern Ireland Executive is committed to continue to invest in our creative industries.

"This is fantastic news for the local film industry which further cements Northern Ireland's reputation as a world-class production location."

He added that it was the second time that Universal Pictures had confirmed the filming of a major production in Northern Ireland and said the project would "deliver an important economic boost through job creation and investment".

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness added: "The film industry is an important sector for our economy and we offer an exceptionally competitive location for film and television production projects.

"With the next series of HBO's BAFTA award winning Game of Thrones series, about to start in July, Universal's decision to film Dracula here is another strong vote of confidence in our local filming industry and our ability to attract global players."

Dracula will star Welsh actor Luke Evans from Fast & Furious 6 and Canadian Sarah Gadon, who recently featured in A Dangerous Method. It will be directed by Gary Shore and produced by Michael De Luca.

(JP/CD)