'Foundation', the upcoming sci-fi series based on Isaac Asmiov's novels of the same name, will be the largest-ever production in the history of the Irish production industry.
At the launch of Screen Ireland's 2020 slate, it was confirmed that well over 500 people across different trades and skills will be employed on the show when it begins filming in Troy Studios in Limerick. The 10-episode series, which stars Jared Harris, Lee Pace and more to be announced, is now in production. However, no air date has been set by Apple yet.
The 10-episode series is written by David S. Goyer, who previously wrote 'Batman Begins', 'The Dark Knight', 'Man of Steel', as well as all three 'Blade' movies, with Rupert Sanders set to direct the first episode. Sanders previously directed the live-action adaptation of 'Ghost In The Shell', and did 'Snow White and the Huntsman'.
'Foundation' and Apple aren't the only streaming series at work in Ireland. 'Valhalla', the spin-off series from 'Vikings', is due to begin filming in Wicklow with 'Die Hard' scribe Jeb Stuart leading the writers' room there. Sally Rooney's 'Normal People', is a co-production between US streaming giant Hulu and BBC Three and is set to air later this year.
Speaking at the launch, Screen Ireland chief executive Désirée Finnegan said that "the screen industry is transforming at an unprecedented rate and with the growth of streaming services in the market there is more demand than ever for quality content."
"This year, we plan to support Irish production companies with a particular focus on the development process and we’re pleased to announce that we will be investing in a fund to support slate development across feature film, animation and TV drama."
