Written by on Mar 20, 2014. Posted in On Location

Sony Pictures Television establishes Northern Ireland filming presence with Stellify Media

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has established a presence in Northern Ireland by teaming with local executives to form Stellify Media in Belfast. Game of Thrones has helped transform the region’s production industry in recent years and the UK’s filming incentives are an added boost.

Stellify Media will be an independent production company backed by SPT and run by Irish media executives Kieran Doherty and Matt Worthy. Although the move marks Sony’s first Northern Ireland venture, the company already has a presence in a dozen countries.

“Kieran and Matt are the rising stars of a new generation of Irish creatives,” said Wayne Garvie, Chief Creative Officer of International Production at SPT.

“They have proven success in developing popular entertainment and Stellify Media will be a marvellous addition to our family. Northern Ireland is fast becoming a hotspot for international production and at Sony we’re really excited about becoming part of the region’s creative community and launching exciting, global hits.”

Northern Ireland is fast becoming a hotspot for international production and at Sony we’re really excited about becoming part of the region’s creative community.

Wayne Garvie, Sony Pictures Television

Added Doherty: “We are delighted to be launching our own independent production company at a time when the production industry in Northern Ireland is thriving and producing some of the most popular shows on TV. We are looking forward to capitalising on the current zeitgeist with our own innovative, original developments.”

In addition to HBO’s Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland has hosted high-profile TV dramas such as The Fall and Line of Duty, both from the BBC. Belfast’s Titanic Quarter recently announced plans to build two new studios as the UK’s generous filming incentives continue to boost the region.

The Northern Ireland development comes only a few months after Sony Pictures formally announced plans to scale back feature film production in favour of a greater focus on high-end television content.

“Right now, we are in the golden age of television. The possibilities are limitless,” said Steve Mosko, President of Sony Pictures Television, at the time of the announcement.

(Game of Thrones photo: HBO; The Fall photo: BBC)