Written by on Aug 13, 2014. Posted in On Location

Game of Thrones studio home in Belfast wins approval for new film stages

Titanic Studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has secured planning permission for two new film stages. Hit fantasy TV drama Game of Thrones is based at the existing facility and the additional studios will be developed at a cost of GBP14 million.

The expansion of Titanic Studios will include production workshops, additional car parking facilities and a solar panel system mounted on the roof. The extension - put forward for approval in January - will make the Titanic Quarter one of the largest filming production centres in Europe.

“The use of sustainable technology with the roof mounted solar panel system is also to be welcomed,” said Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister Mark H Durkan.

“These photovoltaic roof-mounted panels convert solar radiation into electricity which reduces costs – a win-win for business and the environment. Developments like this are leading the way in helping Northern Ireland move towards a low carbon economy. It is my aim to ensure planning creates a better environment and a stronger economy. This development helps to do this.”

Game of Thrones has helped establish Northern Ireland as a major production centre in Europe and HBO is about to start filming the fifth season. Authorities worked with HBO to orchestrate a major film tourism campaign when the fourth season aired in the spring.

“Securing the fifth series of Game of Thrones, HBO’s largest drama production in Europe, will generate in excess of GBP20 million annually to the Northern Ireland economy,” said the First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter D Robinson MLA when the show’s return was confirmed.

Northern Ireland Screen recently received a government funding increase of more than 50% to help develop the region’s production industry over the next four years.

(Photos: HBO)