Belfast's Television Renaissance: A City Embracing Its Starring Role
On a damp Tuesday morning in Belfast, traffic crawls unusually slowly through the compact city streets. A taxi driver, beaming with pride, attributes the congestion to a surge in media presence. "All the media are here," he jokes, as he shares his enthusiasm for the hit comedy Derry Girls, a frequent topic with tourists. This anecdote captures the essence of Belfast's newfound status as a premier destination for television production, a transformation that has turned the Northern Irish capital into a vibrant small-screen hotspot.
The Heart of Homegrown Drama
Melanie Harrison, owner of the Harrison hotel, epitomises the city's artistic awakening. Her establishment, themed around local icons from CS Lewis to Angela Lansbury, has become a hub for the creative community. She recalls a time when "people would have laughed at the idea of TV jobs in Belfast," but now, her hotel has hosted stars like Zadie Smith, Siobhán McSweeney, and Adrian Dunbar, and even featured in productions such as Channel 5's Murder Most Puzzling. The rise of homegrown talent, including Jamie Dornan's early work on The Fall, underscores Belfast's evolution from a backdrop of conflict to a centre of cinematic excellence.
This boom is no accident. Following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the establishment of Northern Ireland Screen aimed to attract international producers. While early sitcoms like Give My Head Peace struggled to gain traction beyond local audiences, the global success of Derry Girls changed the narrative. Lisa McGee's Bafta-winning series not only put Derry on the map but also filmed parts in Belfast, catalysing the city's TV renaissance. Today, the capital boasts an impressive roster of productions, from Sky's The Lovers to HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, with Line of Duty set to return for filming after a hiatus.
Cultural Roots and Universal Stories
Catherine Grimes, a music supervisor who worked on Blue Lights and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, highlights the deep connection to storytelling in Northern Ireland. Having left during the Troubles, she returned post-lockdown to immerse herself in a "reinvigorated, vibrant, exciting community." She praises the quick wit and humour of Northern Irish people, noting that despite a devastating past, the region now offers universal stories influenced by its unique history. This authenticity resonates in shows like How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, where fast-talking dialogue and local settings, such as the yellow Harland and Wolff cranes, ground the narrative in reality.
Roisin Gallagher, who stars in the series, emphasises the integrity of portraying Belfast authentically. "To read something that you identify with because it's in your DNA, it's in your bones," she says, appreciating the freedom to speak as her character would, without streamlining for a wider audience. This commitment to genuineness has helped Belfast's TV output gain international acclaim, with fans embracing the specificity that makes the stories relatable.
Economic Impact and Screen Tourism
The television boom has significantly boosted Northern Ireland's economy. Game of Thrones, largely filmed at Titanic Studios and nearby locations, injected £251 million into the area, while Blue Lights and Hope Street created over 280 jobs. The BBC's investment of £112 million in 2023/34 further solidifies the region's appeal. Screen tourism has flourished, with fans visiting iconic sites like the steps in Carnlough featured in Game of Thrones or embarking on bus tours to explore filming locations.
Adrian McLaughlin, co-owner of the Harbourview hotel in Carnlough, which appears in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, embraces this Netflix effect with themed cocktail menus and screening parties. Similarly, Glenarm Castle estate, used for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, anticipates increased visitor interest. As Grimes notes, the industry is supportive and friendly, with locals eager to showcase the "good bits" after years of limited tourism.
A Bright Future on Screen
With upcoming productions like the third season of Time, psychological thriller Close to Me, and Bill Murray's golf drama, Belfast's television landscape continues to expand. Blue Lights, now in its fourth season, remains a staple, though details about character returns are closely guarded. The city's ability to blend humour, history, and heartfelt storytelling ensures its place as a global drama capital.
As Belfast basks in its newfound fame, the sentiment is clear: this is more than a fleeting trend. It's a full-circle moment for a city that has overcome its past to shine on the world stage, proving that quality television can indeed find a home in Northern Ireland's capital.
