Northern Ireland could be a future location for big budget, blockbuster movies such as Lord of the Rings, Belfast-born film star Kenneth Branagh said today.
Speaking at the announcement of a package worth almost £10 million sterling to boost the local film industry, the actor/director said there was no reason why the North could not emulate countries like New Zealand."Look what this industry has done for a small country like New Zealand with the Lord of the Ringsfilms.
"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 £9.9 million 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 package will include £4.4 million over three years to strengthen development and £5.5 million to establish a new film production fund.NIFTC Chairman Colin Anderson said the money would help create jobs in an area that has been underdeveloped over the years.
PA