Academy-Award nominated director and producer
‘Prometheus’ director Ridley Scott has announced that he is partnering with Orchard Media and Focus Features International to produce six low-budget genre feature films that will be shot over a period of three years.
The horror, thriller and science fiction films will be in association with Northern Ireland Screen and will shoot primarily in Northern Ireland using local crew, cast, services and facilities.
In a statement Scott, who will serve as executive producer and present the movies, said: “Our target is to create a structure that enables filmmakers to push boundaries and to excite audiences. Our proposed model of filmmaking allows us to give directors the opportunity to really innovate through narrative, production techniques and distribution strategies.”
Focus Features International’s Alison Thompson commented: “There’s an appetite and market for high-concept low budget films – that combined with Ridley Scott’s pedigree will be very attractive to international buyers.”
Head of Production for Northern Ireland Screen, Andrew Reid, said: “We have been looking for a model which would allow us to forecast future production in Northern Ireland over the next few years. Orchard and Scott Free brought us a compelling proposition to complement our other large incoming productions, such as Game of Thrones. It also potentially provides an outlet for developing Northern Ireland creative talent.”
‘Ridley Scott Presents’ is funded through the Northern Ireland Screen Fund supported by Invest NI and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.