NEW NIFC CHAIRMAN STRESSES INDUSTRY'S ROLE

THE NEW Chairman of The Northern Ireland Film Commission (NIFC) has stressed the important role the film and television industry has to play in developing both the province’s image and the local economy.
Colin Anderson said he believed that creative industries locally had been “undervalued by past Governments” and praised the increasing emphasis now being given to the sector by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry (DETI).
Anderson, who is also Chairman of the marketing communications company Anderson Spratt Group, said: “The creative industries in Northern Ireland make a very significant contribution to our economy. Until recently, I believe they have been undervalued. The film sector is a case in point and I am delighted to be following Ronnie Kells, who has done a wonderful job as Chairman of the NIFC."
It is notable that the last three years have seen a major boost of confidence in the film industry. The NIFC have succeeded in attracting 15 feature films to be shot all or partly in Northern Ireland, which have spent £8 million directly in our local economy. These films and the related activity have helped in establishing a ‘new’ international view of Northern Ireland that is beginning to work against the negative images of our previous 30 years.
Anderson said that he looked forward to building on the Commission’s success by providing “new vibrancy” for greater success with the film and television industry, which he said was one of the most powerful industries in the world.
Michael McGimpsey, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, said: “The development of the creative industries sector in Northern Ireland is a central plank of the Executive’s Programme for Government and my department is playing a leading role in this exciting area. We must do our utmost to harness the creative talent, which exists in our community, particularly among our young people who have this in abundance, and make it work for the economic future of the Province.
"One of the areas falling into my department, which has great potential for bringing creativity to the fore, is the film industry. It’s a real challenge for the commission, I am confident that we can look forward to building a successful and vibrant film industry in Northern Ireland.”
Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Industry, said that the recent increase in film production had boosted employment and raised the international profile of Northern Ireland.
The economic impact of the industry in the region has risen steadily since 1977. Recently, with the opening of the Paint Hall Studios in Belfast, the province has seen the establishment of one of the largest film studios in the UK and Ireland. (CMcL)