Post by earl on May 22, 2008 16:14:21 GMT
Angry Scots lash Irish for ‘poaching’ Scarlett’s new blockbuster movie shoot
IRELAND has been accused of "poaching" the blockbuster movie Mary Queen of Scots which is set to begin filming here later this year.
Irish locations and soldiers have been lined up for the movie, which looks set to be the first major movie to be shot here since King Arthur five years ago.
The movie, which will star Scarlett Johansson in the title role of Mary Queen of Scots, is one of the most eagerly anticipated films coming into production.
However, the planned move to Ireland has angered the Scottish film industry, with one insider claiming that it looked like a case of “poaching”.
“It looks like poaching, but film is very competitive. Productions go where they can get the best deal,” they said.
While the movie’s new director Phillip Noyce revealed that an Irish shoot is now the most likely, he attempted to ease Scottish anger by adding that he still expected to shoot some of the scenes in Scotland.
But it is understood the film is likely to shoot in Ireland for six or seven weeks and Scotland for only three.
“It might shoot in Ireland, just because of the availability of Irish army personnel for the battle scenes,” confirmed
Noyce. “It certainly won't be in the summer. It's later in the year or next year,” he added.
The availability of Irish soldiers was a major draw for the film as Scottish authorities are not able to make the same guarantees as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The tax breaks on offer here are also understood to have caught the eye of makers Warner Independent Pictures. The film had been scheduled to start shooting in London and Scotland prior to this.
Naoise Barry of the Irish Film Board previously revealed how they had promoted Ireland as the ideal destination for the film: “We have fought hard to entice this film to Ireland, working closely with the (then) Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Seamus Brennan, the Department of Defence and the Irish army in putting together a strong pitch.” A spokesperson for Scottish Screen refused to comment on the poaching claim, insisting: ”We believe discussions are still ongoing as to where it will shoot.”
IRELAND has been accused of "poaching" the blockbuster movie Mary Queen of Scots which is set to begin filming here later this year.
Irish locations and soldiers have been lined up for the movie, which looks set to be the first major movie to be shot here since King Arthur five years ago.
The movie, which will star Scarlett Johansson in the title role of Mary Queen of Scots, is one of the most eagerly anticipated films coming into production.
However, the planned move to Ireland has angered the Scottish film industry, with one insider claiming that it looked like a case of “poaching”.
“It looks like poaching, but film is very competitive. Productions go where they can get the best deal,” they said.
While the movie’s new director Phillip Noyce revealed that an Irish shoot is now the most likely, he attempted to ease Scottish anger by adding that he still expected to shoot some of the scenes in Scotland.
But it is understood the film is likely to shoot in Ireland for six or seven weeks and Scotland for only three.
“It might shoot in Ireland, just because of the availability of Irish army personnel for the battle scenes,” confirmed
Noyce. “It certainly won't be in the summer. It's later in the year or next year,” he added.
The availability of Irish soldiers was a major draw for the film as Scottish authorities are not able to make the same guarantees as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The tax breaks on offer here are also understood to have caught the eye of makers Warner Independent Pictures. The film had been scheduled to start shooting in London and Scotland prior to this.
Naoise Barry of the Irish Film Board previously revealed how they had promoted Ireland as the ideal destination for the film: “We have fought hard to entice this film to Ireland, working closely with the (then) Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Seamus Brennan, the Department of Defence and the Irish army in putting together a strong pitch.” A spokesperson for Scottish Screen refused to comment on the poaching claim, insisting: ”We believe discussions are still ongoing as to where it will shoot.”
