What the Dickens? Update of novel filmed in Kells & Connor

Filming started in Northern Ireland in June on the five part adaptation of the much loved story which has been supported by Northern Ireland Screen.

A Kindle Entertainment production, it is due to air on BBC One in Autumn 2012 as ‘Nick Nickleby’.

The local filming has prompted North Antrim UUP MLA Robin Swann, who lives in Kells & Connor, to appeal to the NI Executive to take full advantage of such film production and “turn the constituency into Ulster’s Hollywood”.

Mr Swann made the call as he welcomed further investment by film companies in the North Antrim area.

“Following the success of the Game of Thrones production, it is encouraging to see some of the new production of Nicholas Nickleby being filmed in Kells and Connor,” said the MLA.

“As Ulster Unionist party spokesperson for Culture Arts and Leisure, I fully support the further development of the creative industries and as we expand the wide range of skills, greater opportunities will be available.

“It is important that organisations such as NI Screen are supported by the Stormont Executive to continue the substantial amount of pro-active lobbying and support which is required to make sure that Northern Ireland continues to benefit from such productions.

“This boost for North Antrim comes hot on the heels of the very welcome news that Ballintoy was again a location for part of the latest series of Game of Thrones, which has gained global acclaim.

“Now is the opportunity to boost North Antrim, which has already been used for a number of locations in the series so far, so I would urge the Arts Minister and the Executive to seize the initiative,” said Mr Swann.

“The first episode of series two finished with the main characters travelling through the ‘Dark Hedges’ of Armoy, and in the second episode, Ballintoy Harbour featured heavily as a location.

“I was privileged as a member of the Stormont Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee to visit the actors on set earlier in the year and was really impressed with the major part that Northern Ireland is playing in the production of this series.

“And the announcement of another series to be filmed in North Antrim is a testimony of the local contribution, so that is why I believe the Executive has missed the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment by failing to include the screen industries as a specific target in the Program for Government.

“The Executive also needs to consider the future use of themed tourism in North Antrim with a tour of film locations.

“The Game of Thrones and Nicholas Nickleby achievements can also benefit the creative industries sector, not just in North Antrim, but right across Northern Ireland as the skills created among locals will be of tremendous benefit to other film-makers,” he said.

“Our colleges and schools in North Antrim should be supported in specialising in creative industry subjects, such as sets, costumes, and audio visual skills.”

“And all this is happening after another son of North Antrim, Liam Neeson, starred in another Hollywood blockbuster, Battleship,” said Assemblyman Swann.