Menu
09/07/2008
Iraq Drama Films In NI
The army is coming back to Ulster, but this time, only to film a new movie.
Occupation, billed as a powerful new drama serial tracing the lives of three British soldiers from the invasion of Basra in March 2003 to the present is about to begin production.
Filming will be in Northern Ireland and also in Morocco during September, for broadcast on BBC One in 2009.
Commissioned by Jane Trantner, Controller of BBC Fiction, Occupation is produced by Kudos Film and Television (Life On Mars, Spooks and Hustle) for BBC Northern Ireland with finance from Northern Ireland Screen through its Screen Fund supported by Invest NI.
Occupation is inspired by factual research and reveals how the lives of three British men are shaped and transformed by their experiences in Iraq.
The drama is set in Basra and explores the personal journeys of three friends from the same regiment, and how they are inspired to return to Basra for different reasons - one for financial gain, one for love and the third because of his belief in the mission to rebuild the country.
The drama is set against the backdrop of growing sectarian conflict in Iraq, awash with billions of dollars from the US, creating a boom time for private military companies.
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said: "We are delighted that Kudos is coming to Northern Ireland to film Occupation.
"Over the past year we have had a number of BBC network dramas come to our shores - first we had Fairy Tales, followed by Messiah and The Invisibles.
"Occupation coming now is further vindication that our strategy is working and the hard work is paying off. Northern Ireland's television production sector is on the rise and we will continue to lobby for even more productions to come and film in Northern Ireland," he said.
Patrick Spence, Head of Drama at BBC Northern Ireland, commented: "We've been working on Occupation for four years, so I am incredibly proud to be watching them all head off into production, a brilliant script in their hands, absolutely determined to bring this story, and all that it means, to the widest possible audience."
(KMcA)(BMcC)
Occupation, billed as a powerful new drama serial tracing the lives of three British soldiers from the invasion of Basra in March 2003 to the present is about to begin production.
Filming will be in Northern Ireland and also in Morocco during September, for broadcast on BBC One in 2009.
Commissioned by Jane Trantner, Controller of BBC Fiction, Occupation is produced by Kudos Film and Television (Life On Mars, Spooks and Hustle) for BBC Northern Ireland with finance from Northern Ireland Screen through its Screen Fund supported by Invest NI.
Occupation is inspired by factual research and reveals how the lives of three British men are shaped and transformed by their experiences in Iraq.
The drama is set in Basra and explores the personal journeys of three friends from the same regiment, and how they are inspired to return to Basra for different reasons - one for financial gain, one for love and the third because of his belief in the mission to rebuild the country.
The drama is set against the backdrop of growing sectarian conflict in Iraq, awash with billions of dollars from the US, creating a boom time for private military companies.
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said: "We are delighted that Kudos is coming to Northern Ireland to film Occupation.
"Over the past year we have had a number of BBC network dramas come to our shores - first we had Fairy Tales, followed by Messiah and The Invisibles.
"Occupation coming now is further vindication that our strategy is working and the hard work is paying off. Northern Ireland's television production sector is on the rise and we will continue to lobby for even more productions to come and film in Northern Ireland," he said.
Patrick Spence, Head of Drama at BBC Northern Ireland, commented: "We've been working on Occupation for four years, so I am incredibly proud to be watching them all head off into production, a brilliant script in their hands, absolutely determined to bring this story, and all that it means, to the widest possible audience."
(KMcA)(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 November 2010
Lyric Drama Lives On As Theatre Rebuilt
As work nears completion on the new Lyric Theatre in south Belfast, ongoing work by the Lyric Drama Studio is to open its second season with drama students presenting their production of Russian playwrights The Presnyakov Brothers' black comedy Terrorism.
Lyric Drama Lives On As Theatre Rebuilt
As work nears completion on the new Lyric Theatre in south Belfast, ongoing work by the Lyric Drama Studio is to open its second season with drama students presenting their production of Russian playwrights The Presnyakov Brothers' black comedy Terrorism.
13 May 2010
BAFTA Nominations Celebrated
Regional TV production has been given a fillip this week with news that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has nominated several Northern Ireland-made programmes for its annual Television Awards.
BAFTA Nominations Celebrated
Regional TV production has been given a fillip this week with news that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has nominated several Northern Ireland-made programmes for its annual Television Awards.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
02 November 2022
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
