DiCaprio epic to put Irish film industry back in t

[earl]

THE IRISH film industry received a multi-million euro boost yesterday when it was confirmed that two major Hollywood projects will be shot here over the next 18 months.

Irish director and scriptwriter, Mark Mahon, confirmed that 'Strength and Honour II' and 'Freedom Within The Heart' will be filmed here by late 2009 -- with budgets of around e30m each.

Stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ray Winstone, Michael Madsen and Vinnie Jones have already been lined up for appearances in both films.

Hopes are mounting that 'Freedom Within The Heart,' based on Ireland's 11th Century battle against invading Vikings, could prove an Irish epic to rival 'Braveheart', thanks to DiCaprio's involvement.

"The next project we are getting off the ground is 'Freedom Within The Heart' -- we are hoping to start filming that next summer. Vinnie is on board and Michael is going to have a little cameo," Mark Mahon said.

The director's decision to film in Ireland is a timely fillip for the national film industry which, according to a report issued yesterday, desperately needs a shot in the arm to survive.

The 2007 Review of IBEC's Audiovisual Federation reveals a lull in the country's film funding after last year's boom, with just €11m spent in 2007 compared with almost €30m in 2006.

Tommy McCabe, Audiovisual Federation director, said: "With regard to film, 2006 had an Irish spend of €29.8m, which is an increase on the lull of €17.5m in 2005.

"There has been an overall downward trend since 2003, and it is estimated that the Irish spend will reduce further to €11m in 2007," he added.

Negotiations are still ongoing with Leonardo DiCaprio, who is earmarked to play the lead role of Irish High King, Brian Boru, in the epic battle against invading Viking warriors.

British actor Ray Winstone has also expressed interest in getting involved in the 'Strength and Honour' sequel.

Hopes are rising that 'Freedom Within the Heart' could rival 'Braveheart'

Yesterday, both Vinnie Jones and Michael Madsen told the Irish Independent that they were delighted with their experience of filming in Ireland.

Madsen took the Best Actor award at the Boston Film Festival for 'Strength and Honour'.

"It was very nice for that to happen -- especially for Mark because I know how long it took to get all this together."

Ironically, Jones's performance as a boxer from the Travelling Community was so realistic that, while relaxing after filming one day, a Cork bar owner warned Mark Mahon that he didn't want trouble on his premises.

"I took my hat off and the guy was in despair -- he bought all the drinks," he said.

[earl]

setanta said:

Are they going to mention that there was Vikings on Brian Borus side as well?

Eh, it's gunning to be Braveheart II, so if it's historically accurate, I'd be very suprised. Don't be suprised if you see Brian being quartered infront of a castle in Denmark while yelling 'FFFFFRRREEEEEEEEEDOOOMM!!!!!"

[Jim]

Braveheart wasnt historically accurate and it wasnt portrayed to be historically accurate either. Can you picture how hard it would be to actually have a battle, on a bridge, at the battle of sterling bridge? So they just called it "battle of sterling".

That, and the French princess (forget her name) was 9 by the time Wallace was killed so he clearly didnt shag her or else Scotlands national hero is a paedophile.

If the Irish film industry can become bigger than the French cinema industry I'll be happy. The British industry is only starting to make a come back these days, its still dominated by Hollywood and most British actors/actresses go on to Hollywood instead, completely different in the rest of europe!

[Jim]

Yeah, face-paint and all.

[Jim]

I need a name.

Jim the cunt.