The creative visionaries behind two of Northern Ireland’s most highly-acclaimed recent productions, comedy film Kneecap and TV drama Blue Lights, believe the country’s screen industry is on the verge of becoming a global leader.
That was the message delivered to an audience of over 400 business leaders at Wednesday’s Belfast Chamber President’s Lunch, for which Belfast Harbour was principal partner, with Millar McCall Wylie, Studio Ulster and Mount Charles Group as the supporting partners.
BAFTA Award-winning Kneecap director and co-writer Rich Peppiatt and producer Trevor Birney were joined by screenwriting duo Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the creative minds behind BBC police drama Blue Lights, as keynote speakers at the event in ICC Belfast.
In fireside chats hosted by broadcaster Lynette Faye under the theme of ‘Lights, Camera, Belfast’, the four leading creatives discussed the hugely positive impact that the screen industry has had on Northern Ireland’s economy, how it has helped create an exciting career pathway for many people, and the ongoing support it requires to fulfil its potential.
Gavin Annon, President of Belfast Chamber, said:
“We have so much to be proud of in the Belfast business community, and the President’s Lunch provided an ideal platform to shine a light on one of our most compelling success stories. Every person in the room will have left the event recharged, re-energised and re-enthused after hearing our speakers’ stories and their plans for the future.
“Northern Ireland’s thriving screen sector is not only delivering high quality jobs for local people, but is helping to attract much-needed foreign investment into the region, something that Belfast Chamber is continually seeking to do as we fulfil our role as the voice for business in the city.”
Joe O’Neill, CEO of Belfast Harbour, said:
“Over the past decade, we have invested £100m in Belfast Harbour Studios, making it one of the largest and most modern production sites in the UK and Ireland, and creating a world-class facility which has already hosted some of the biggest names in the TV and film business, as well as helping to boost the region’s screen and creative industries. Recent expansions and the Studio Ulster partnership also highlight our success in this new area of operations.
“In collaboration with NI Screen, and as part of our strategic goal to Advance Regional Prosperity, over the next five years we aim to secure new productions which will deliver £200 million for the local economy. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in this journey so far, and for organising this excellent event celebrating the many achievements of the local screen industry.”
Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap director and co-writer, said:
“Trevor and I were thrilled to speak at the Belfast Chamber President’s Lunch and get the opportunity to share our story with so many leading business minds. The North of Ireland has some of the most talented film and TV people in the world, both in front and behind camera. It is a very competitive international marketplace, we truly believe in the potential for the industry here to cement itself as a global leader.
“Films like Kneecap or TV programmes like Blue Lights show the world is hungry for our stories, and increasingly those that look to the future rather than the past. We’re excited to be part of ensuring those stories are told.”
Rich was recently honoured with a British Academy of Film Award (BAFTA) for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Kneecap, which received six nominations. The Irish-language film, which tells the compelling story of a west Belfast rap trio’s rise, has generated international acclaim and received credit for reigniting interest in the Irish language.
Meanwhile, Blue Lights continues to captivate TV audiences, with filming for its highly-anticipated third series currently underway in Belfast, further cementing Northern Ireland’s reputation as a premier location for high-quality television production. Beyond Blue Lights, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson recently established their own Belfast-based production company, Hot Sauce Pictures.
Adam Patterson commented:
“The Northern Ireland screen industry stands up against that of any country in the world. Companies such as our own Hot Sauce Productions are providing a pathway for young people in the region to realise they can enjoy a successful career in the creative sector in Belfast.
“It was an honour to be part of the Belfast Chamber event, to tell the business side of the screen industry and to remind people that it is becoming one of the biggest drivers of the Northern Ireland economy. When you consider every aspect of what is required to produce a film or TV show, you begin to realise how much work it creates across a range of sectors, with industries such as catering and carpentry all benefitting from its growth.”
For further details about the Belfast Chamber President’s Lunch please visit www.belfastchamber.com