Well this is very big news indeed. Fantastic news for the Irish film industry, North and South. Ridley Scott is set to film not one but SIX movies in Northern Ireland. The Prometheus and Gladiator director will serve at the helm of six movies that will take three years to film. What's even more exciting for Northern Ireland though, is that his intention is to make use of local talent and staff. As exciting as this opportunity is, here's hoping he'll still draw over some bigger names, even for the odd cameo.
"Our target is to create a structure that enables filmmakers to push boundaries and to excite audiences.... Our proposed model of filmmaking allows us to give directors the opportunity to really innovate through narrative, production techniques and distribution strategies."
So what kind of movies can we expect? Well they'll be low budget flicks, mostly pertaining to the genres of horror, thriller and science fiction.
Commenting on the benefits of a move like this, Andrew Reid, Head of Production for NI Screen, said: "We have been looking for a model which would allow us to forecast future production in Northern Ireland over the next few years. Orchard and Scott Free brought us a compelling proposition to complement our other large incoming productions, such as Game of Thrones."
While Focus Features International's Alison Thompson believe there is "an appetite and market for high-concept low budget films. That combined with Ridley Scott's pedigree will be very attractive to international buyers."
Who needs the rolling hills of Hollywood, eh? Between this and Rihanna's choosing of Belfast to film her Hopeless Place music video, Northern Ireland is fast becoming the place to be.
