THE FILMING of a new television drama series, Camelot, gets under way this week at Ardmore Studios in Wicklow.
The 10-part series is expected to generate up to €25 million for the economy over the next 22 weeks.
Principal photography will get under way today at Ardmore Studios and will take in various locations in the surrounding Wicklow area.
Ardmore Studios managing director Kevin Moriarty said Camelotwas an important series in the ongoing development of Ardmore Studios, building on the momentum generated by the success of The Tudorsover the last four years.
"A series like Camelotprovides ongoing economic activity in various film-related services over a prolonged period," he said.
Mr Moriarty said the success of The Tudorson American TV had obviously acted as a major catalyst in attracting a production of this size to Ireland.
"I think it's fair to say that The Tudorsconvinced a lot of producers outside this country that Ireland can provide production values that can match the best in the business," he said.
The drama reunites many of the award-winning team behind The Tudors which was filmed in Ireland between 2006 and 2009. Irishman Ciarán Donnelly will direct the first two episodes.
Other crew from The Tudorsfamily include line producer Séamus McInerney and Emmy award-winning Irish costume designer Joan Bergin.
Camelotis an Irish-Canadian co-production which is due to air on US premium channel Starz Entertainment in 2011.
The cast includes Joseph Fiennes, Eva Green, Jamie Campbell-Bower, Tamsin Egerton, Claire Forlani and Peter Mooney.
"The commencement of Camelotin this country reflects very well on the Government with the various tax incentives that are in place," Mr Moriarty said.
“Ongoing negotiations and feedback with foreign production companies indicate that the Irish film industry is looking quite healthy at the moment provided, of course, we can maintain our competitiveness.”