It appears that filming the most popular show on the planet film in your backyard is a good thing for your economy. Who knew? NI Screen, the Northern Irish government entity responsible for attracting and coordinating filming in the country, has released a report regarding Game of Thrones’ effect on the area’s economy. The results are jaw dropping.
Since the HBO hit began filming in Northern Ireland in 2010, NI Screen estimates that the production has pumped a massive 166 million pounds into the local economy. (That’s around $206 million.) And the cost on NI Screen in incentives? A mere 14 million pounds. That’s one heck of a return on your investment. NI Screen also estimates that over the remaining two years Game of Thrones has left, it will contribute a further 20 million pounds.
NI Screen also notes that, over the past four years, a total of 2800 full time jobs have been created, carrying a value of just under 108 million pounds. And there may be collateral benefits for years to come, as Game of Thrones’ success inspired other production companies to shoot there.
Although the end is in sight for Thrones, Northern Ireland has already begun to look to the future, and believes that it has a solid plan in place to account for the loss. Now if only we had one.
h/t Irish News