Shot In Belfast

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Shot in Belfast

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

01/07/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Shot in Belfast

Peter Curran on Northern Ireland's burgeoning film industry.

Peter Curran returns home to Northern Ireland to explore its thriving movie industry and Hollywood A-lister visits. From 2013.

The history of Northern Ireland on film is rich and varied. 

Carol Reed's 'Odd Man Out', starring James Mason, was acclaimed upon its release in 1947 as 'the best film of all time', and is still regarded as one of the finest of the post-war era.

But for years, Northern Irish cinema goers often had to endure clichéd representations of the 'Troubles' as captured by Hollywood.

Now though Northern Ireland is ready to tell its own story. An indigenous film industry is taking shape and in this programme Peter Curran returns home to Belfast to explore the city's burgeoning movie business. 

At the centre of things is a giant former 'paint hall' in the heart of the old Harland and Wolff shipyard, where cruise liners once received their finishing touches before setting sail. The old building has become Titanic Studios, a hub for film and TV production, including the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones.

Northern Ireland provides attractive locations and financial incentives for film makers. 

So who's benefitting?

Peter Curran meets the main players, eavesdrops on current productions and considers how Northern Ireland is now starring in its very own movie.

Producer: Owen McFadden

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2013.

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