Arts Minister highlights NI as 'superb' film location

Arts Minister David Hanson turned the spotlight on Northern Ireland as a superb location for the film industry during a visit to the set of ‘Johnny Was’, a contemporary feature film currently being shot in the province.

Mr Hanson said Northern Ireland was a prime location for film production and it was essential that the province is continually marketed, nationally and internationally, as a production base.

“Film making has huge potential to contribute to the economy and, as Arts Minister, I am keen that people of all ages get opportunities to become involved in various aspects of the industry, that we discover new talent and develop the region’s reputation for creativity," the Minister said.

The film is co-funded by the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC) and has a cast including football star turned actor, Vinnie Jones, Eric La Salle, best known for his part in ER, Samantha Mumba, Patrick Bergin, Lennox Lewis, in his first major acting role, and Roger Daltrey of The Who.

The film is being produced by Northern Ireland production company, Borderline Productions, along with Danish producer Nordisk.

Colin Anderson, Chairman of the NIFTC, said: “Johnny Was is another feature film that is shooting here in Northern Ireland and the NIFTC is delighted to be associated with it.

"Films such as this bring a lot to Northern Ireland and go a long way to demonstrate the talent we have here. It is further evidence that Northern Ireland is an attractive place for international film makers to shoot their films.”

The script is an original screen play from Northern Ireland writer-producer Brendan Foley. The story is set in Brixton, London, with a plot that explores whether it is possible to escape your past as characters from Britain, Ireland and Jamaica clash in the world’s least ‘safe house’.

Brendan Foley, who works mainly in Hollywood and London, said he and his fellow producers were delighted to help bring the film to Northern Ireland.

(MB/SP)