Minister Madigan T.D. Launches the Start of the Production of Nightflyers Filmed at Troy Studios and Supported by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board
Posted: 9th February 2018
The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D., today launched the start of the production of Nightflyers in Troy Studios Limerick at an event in the Merrion Hotel hosted by Kim Harris, General Counsel at NBC Universal.
The much anticipated Syfy series Nightflyers, is based on George R.R. Martin’s 1987 Novella and is being produced by NBC Universal & Universal Cable Productions, alongside Wild Atlantic Pictures with Irish producers Macdara Kelleher and Eoin Egan, and will air on the Syfy Channel in the US, and will also be made available on Netflix.
Speaking at the launch Minister Madigan said:
“For this fledgling studio — which opens its doors to an international production for the first time — it is great cause for celebration. I wish to congratulate all in Limerick who had the vision to transform the old Dell factory into what is now a major asset for Ireland’s creative industries.
This project chimes with so much of what this Government is aiming to do:
- Bring investment to the regions in line with the Action Plan for Jobs;
- Bring creativity to the centre of everything we do as set out in the Creative Ireland Programme;
- Bring top quality jobs and training to a whole new generation in Limerick to ensure that Limerick becomes a major centre of film and TV Drama for years to come.”
James Hickey, Chief Executive of the Irish Film Board added: “Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board is delighted to be supporting the production of Nightflyers at Troy Studios in Limerick. A production of this scale is a huge vote of confidence in Irish creative talent and technical skills available in Ireland. It is creating substantial employment in the mid-west and is part of the IFB’s promotion of production in the regions. Attracting an inward production of this type is significant not only for Limerick because of the jobs it creates and the associated spend, but also for the wider industry and economy because it further enhances Ireland’s reputation internationally as a production location.”
Kimberley Harris, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, NBCUniversal said: “NBCUniversal is happy to be doing our first major production in Ireland. The supportive public policy environment and skilled local workforce were key factors for this investment and we appreciate the continued support.”
IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said, “This is great news for the city of Limerick, not only is today’s announcement NBCU’s first project in Ireland but it is the first production of its kind for Limerick. The series has the potential to bring significant employment across a wide range of trades and skills during production, but also further spin-out benefits across the region to support the large crew involved. IDA executives met with senior executives at NBC Universal in New York during the highly competitive site location process so we are delighted with this endorsement for the mid-west region and we wish the team in Limerick every success.”
Conn Murray, Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council said: “This is a hugely significant day for Limerick as it realizes a vision that few would have dreamed possible. It started with talks about transforming the facility we had acquired into the now world-class film hub that has been developed. To have it associated with NBC Universal shows how far we have come and validates our courage in thinking beyond normal boundaries.”
Up to 500 people will be employed during its filming at the state of the art Troy Studios. In turn it is estimated that as much as a €70 million knock on effect into the local Limerick economy.
The production includes a stellar cast. Irish talent includes Eoin Macken as Karl D’Branin and Brían F. O'Byrne as Auggie, alongside major international stars such as Gretchen Mol who has previously starred in Boardwalk Empire as Dr. Agatha Matheson, David Ajala who was in Fast & Furious 6 as Roy Eris, Sam Strike as Thale, Maya Eshet as Lommie, Angus Sampson, star of the award-winning Fargo as Rowan and Jodie Turner-Smith as Melantha.
The Irish Film Board (IFB) has granted production funding to Nightflyers , while its training arm, Screen Training Ireland, has also collaborated with Troy Studios and Nightflyers to develop work-based learning initiatives for new entrants, alongside shadowing and mentoring opportunities for more experienced industry practitioners. Since the Troy Studios Open Day in late 2016, Screen Training Ireland has delivered training in areas such as Construction, Set Build, Introduction to the Production Office, Drafting and a P.A. Boot camp.
Minister Madigan concluded by wishing Troy Studios and its team as well as the cast and crew of Nightflyers every success with this exciting project.