Northern Ireland News , 25 April 2003

Northern Ireland could be a future location for big budget, blockbuster movies like Lord of the Rings, Belfast-born film star Kenneth Branagh said today.

Speaking at the announcement of a package worth almost £10 million to boost the local film industry, the actor/director said there was no reason why the province could not emulate other small countries like New Zealand. "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," he said.

Mr Branagh is Honorary President of the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC) which is set to receive £9.9m from Invest NI.

Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson said the money would create a more competitive independent sector and help Northern Ireland become a centre of expertise in film-making and television production. "The measures which I am able to announce today will stimulate and harness innovation and enterprise to create the wealth that flows from a more dynamic economy," he added.

The package will include £4.4m over three years to strengthen development and £5.5m to establish a new film production fund. NIFTC Chairman Colin Anderson said the money would help create new jobs in an area that has been underdeveloped over the years. "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," he added.

Cash Boost for NI Films

BBC News , 25 April 2003

Northern Ireland's film industry has received a major boost with the announcement of an extra £12m funding over the next three years.

The extra cash, half of which is subject to EU approval, will be spent on film and television drama production, funding up to 20% of film company production costs. A new company development fund will aim to help companies compete on the national and international scene while a business development programme will bring in experts to help companies bid for commissions. Also included is a proposal for a production development fund to provide loans for companies with new ideas for digital media.

The Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC) said the province needed the financial incentive to attract big productions.

Belfast-born actor Sir Kenneth Branagh, who is the commission's honorary president, was in the city on Friday for the announcement. "This initial funding will help the industry here move to its next stage," said the star of Hamlet and Harry Potter. "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."

Government minister Ian Pearson said the focus was to increase the volume and value of film production in Northern Ireland. "I am confident that these measures will enable the NIFTC to put Northern Ireland in the picture with international production companies and will stimulate greater local enterprise," Mr Pearson said.

NIFTC Chairman Colin Anderson said the funding would enable his organisation to make a real impact. "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."

The NIFTC, which was set up six years ago, has contributed to 20 films made all or partly in Northern Ireland with a total value of £54m.