An epic 18th century sea-faring adventure - commissioned by Sky 1 HD - starring Ray Winstone as a smuggler and the hunt for a lost diamond will start filming in locations in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow this June and July.
‘Moonfleet’, in association with Element Pictures, will take in such locations as Howth, Drimnagh Castle, parts of central Dublin, including the Kings Inns and Celbridge - with Wicklow’s Silver Strand confirmed as ‘Moonfleet Bay’ for the story’s sea-faring smugglers.
Andrew Lowe, Managing Director of Element Pictures, said: ‘We are delighted to be in production with Sky and Company Pictures on Moonfleet following our successful collaboration on ‘The Take’. Sky’s decision to shoot in Ireland is an endorsement of the quality of Irish cast and crews, and demonstrates the importance of the Government’s commitment to the sector through the provision of the tax incentive, section 481.’
Based on the novel by John Meade Falkner and adapted by Ashley Pharoah ('Life on Mars'), ‘Moonfleet’ follows the adventures of a young man who attempts to join a band of smugglers led by Ray Winstone’s Elzevir Block (Ray Winstone) on a sea voyage to the Jewel quarter of the Hague.
Cast members include Aneurin Barnard ('The White Queen'); Dublin-born Lorcan Cranitch ('Silent Witness', 'Cracker'; Anthony Ofoegbu ('Spooks'); Sophie Cookson; Ben Chaplin ('Mad Dogs', 'Dorian Gray'); Omid Djalili ('Gladiator') and Martin Trenaman ('The Inbetweeners').
The series was commissioned by Sky’s Head of Drama Anne Mensah, with executive producers including Huw Kennair-Jones for Sky, John Yorke and Claire Ingham for Company Pictures, Ashley Pharoah and Patrick Spence.
‘Moonfleet’ is directed by Andy de Emmony (‘The Bletchley Circle’) and produced by Dan McCulloch (‘Endeavour’).
Sky Ireland Managing Director JD Buckley said: ‘This announcement again confirms Sky’s commitment to Ireland and to producing great original content here. Following on from the successful premiere of Moone Boy Series 2 at the Sky Cat Laughs Festival in Kilkenny last weekend, we are delighted to welcome the talented Moonfleet cast to Ireland this summer. We also know Element Pictures very well and it’s great to see them involved in another quality Sky 1 HD production.’
Mr Winstone also expressed his delight at the opportunity to film in Ireland this summer.
‘I’m incredibly excited to be working with Sky - I can’t wait to start filming in Ireland and it’s a real honour to be bringing such an epic adventure story to life,’ he added.
Ray Winstone is perhaps best known for roles in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning ‘The Departed’, ‘the Sweeney’, ‘Sexy Beast’ and BBC’s ‘Great Expectations’.
The series, produced by Company Pictures, will consist of two 60 min episodes and will begin filming on Monday 17th June for airing on Sky 1 HD later this year.
