THE HIT TV series Game of Thrones is to return to film a third series in the North, with the promise of hundreds of jobs and a boost for the local economy.
The HBO series, starring Irish actors Aidan Gillen, Liam Cunningham, Michelle Fairley, Jack Gleeson, Conleth Hill and Ian McElhinney, has already filmed extensively in the North and used post-production facilities in the Republic.
Director Brian Kirk and producer Mark Huffam, both from the North, have also worked on the medieval drama, which is based on the epic fantasy novels by George RR Martin.
The third series will continue shooting at the Paint Hall studio in Belfast, as well as the Linen Mill studios in Banbridge, and on location throughout the North.
Previous locations have included the north Antrim coast and Tollymore Forest Park, at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
HBO is remaining tight-lipped about the details, but industry sources suggest filming will begin in June and will last nine months, creating as many as 800 local jobs. The Golden Globe-winning first series was said to generate £17 million (€20.6 million) for the North’s economy, followed by a £20 million injection from the second series, now airing on Sky Atlantic. The third series will be based on the Storm of the Swords instalment – one of eight titles in Martin’s series.
If the entire series is filmed in Ireland, it could mean a £140 million bonanza for the North’s film and TV industry.
Richard Williams of Northern Ireland Screen said securing a third series for Game of Thrones was a tremendous coup.
“Game of Thrones is of a vast size and scale and is not only contributing economic benefit in terms of direct spend and job creation, but is further cementing Northern Ireland’s reputation as a world-class location,” he said.
Stormont Minister for Culture Carál Ní Chuilín said the North’s countryside provided an “excellent backdrop for the fantasy landscapes” while the Paint Hall studio was “ideal for the show’s extravagant sets”.