Production crews from the UK arrived in Limerick yesterday to prepare to start filming a new TV blockbuster Nightflyers, whose creator, George RR Martin has also been responsible for Game of Thrones.

Troy Studio has opened its doors at Plassey Technological Park, Limerick when more than 600 people were told of the wide range of job opportunities which the city’s new film industry offers.

A film studio is set to call “action” on Limerick’s €500m development plan, launched earlier this week.

The shooting of the hit series, Penny Dreadful, at Ardmore Studios, earned the company that operates the studios profits of €1.34m last year.

Pinewood Studios, linked with lucrative film franchises such as Star Wars and James Bond, has agreed a worldwide marketing deal with the new studios about to open in Limerick.

A local authority is expected to approve planning for a new film studio complex in Limerick tomorrow.

Heads of agreement signed with Troy Studios for Dell factory plan.

Plans for a multi-million euro film production hub in Limerick are in motion following confirmation that the local authority is working in partnership with Ireland’s top film and television studios.

The number of investors availing of Section 481 tax reliefs last year increased by 25%, leading to the creation of 27,000 jobs in the Irish film industry.

Boosted by the shooting of the third series of Chris O’Dowd’s Moone Boy, Ardmore Studios has enjoyed a turnaround in its fortunes this year after two years of successive losses.

Ardmore Studios is due to return to profit this year after securing two major productions including one led by Hollywood stars Michael Fassbender and Maggie Gyllenhall.