The HBO show has highlighted the NI as a prime filming location since its inception in 2011.
Since producers announced the show has a mere two seasons left to shoot, it has been speculated that the international reputation and economic growth achieved by Northern Ireland in this period will slow down.
CEO Richard Williams of Northern Ireland Screen disagrees however, commenting recently:
“I’m hugely excited about the period after ‘Game of Thrones,’ where we have a level of stage capacity such that there really isn’t a project we couldn’t facilitate.”
By the time ‘Game of Thrones’ concludes its final season, it will have been a presence in Northern Ireland for ten years. So far NI government investment is estimated at £14 million, with a return of around £146 million as a result.
The upskilling of film professionals has been escalated by its long-term presence, at a more rapid level than would be the case of professionals working on multiple shorter series.
Williams also advised recently that, “Belfast Harbour are in the process of building studios on the North Foreshore, extending the capacity beyond Game of Thrones. When it leaves, it leaves all of the knowledge, it leaves all of the support companies. There have been post-production companies, casting, extras companies, catering companies, and lighting and construction.”
Windmill Lane Studios founder James Morris and film producer Alan Moloney also confirmed in May of this year that they are developing proposals for a new 180,000 sq ft film studio in Ringsend, Co. Dublin.