Written by new-contact on May 11, 2012. Posted in On Location

Northern Ireland assesses benefits of Game of Thrones location filming

The Northern Ireland Executive estimates that the region could have made around GBP35 million from two seasons of Game of Thrones location filming. Audits from the first season show filming delivered GBP17 million in local spending and the figure could be higher still for the second series.

HBO’s hit fantasy series is returning to its base at Belfast’s Paint Hall Studios for the third season, while location filming also takes place across Northern Ireland and at Linen Mill Studios south of Belfast. Film tourism to the region has increased and the show has raised Northern Ireland’s profile.

Moyra Lock is Head of Marketing at Northern Ireland Screen and spoke to the Irish Times: “There is no doubt that Game of Thrones is not only helping to sustain but also to develop the industry in a lot of different ways.

There is no doubt that Game of Thrones is not only helping to sustain but also to develop the industry in a lot of different ways.

Moyra Lock, Northern Ireland Screen

“In terms of the impact it has had for indigenous companies – from production to transport it has been huge – they have been able to expand and create new jobs on the back of it which, for the Northern Ireland economy, is a great success.”

Northern Ireland has channelled around GBP10 million-worth of funding through its Screen Fund over the past two years and has been rewarded with local production spending of nearly GBP60 million.

(Photos: HBO)