Seems Natalie Portman is set to star in another film shot here in Northern Ireland. This isn’t long after the announcement that George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire HBO Series is to be shot here too. It’s great to see the Movie and TV market heating up here, and retaining heat.
Work like this is supposed to be worth millions to the local economy though. GRRM’s series pilot alone is supposed to be worth ~$10M. I’d love to see a break down of exactly where this sort of money goes. Paying local extras, catering, set building (joiners, electricians, etc.). Maybe some local effects and titling? Probably not. Lighting hire? Probably not. Hotel space? Definitely. But who are these joiners, electricians, and caterers? Are they small companies that need work, or the huge companies that already have million-pound contracts from government work and all?
Don’t get me wrong; it’s all good I’m sure, one way or another, and perhaps the best part is that it gives local kids a sense of opportunity — something that’s long been lacking here. But still… I’d love to hear more detail about what good it’s doing, on the ground.
Tags: A Song of Ice and Fire, belfast, budget, cinema, economy, Entertainment, film, George R. R. Martin, GRRM, hbo, investment, ireland, Local, Movie, natalie portman, northern ireland, painthall, production, quarter, shoot, titanic, tv, uk, united kingdom, your highness
