Lassie comes to rescue of Irish film industry

A NEW feature film starring Lassie, the world’s most famous dog, will start shooting in Ireland in the spring, Arts Minister John O’Donoghue announced yesterday.

The movie, which will begin filming in April, is a retelling of Eric Knight’s best-selling novel Lassie Come Home.

The film is being produced by Firstsight Films, Classic Media and Ireland’s Element Films, producers of Omagh and The Magdalene Sisters.

Classic Media chairman Eric Ellenbogen said: “We are very excited to begin shooting the new Lassie movie in Ireland.

“The country’s lush green landscape and rolling hills provide the perfect backdrop for Lassie’s epic film journey.”

Principal photography for Lassie Come Home will begin in Ireland before moving to the Isle of Man.

Lassie has already featured in 10 films, starring alongside Hollywood legends including Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney and Jimmy Stewart, and over 675 TV shows.

The TV series was one of the longest-running programmes in television history.

The official confirmation of Lassie’s trip to Ireland came as Mr O’Donoghue led a delegation of the Irish Film Board to meet with high-ranking film executives in the US.

The minister said: “I am delighted that Classic Media and Firstsight Films have chosen Ireland.

“It demonstrates again the importance of our tax incentive Section 481 which has been extended and enhanced and demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to the Irish film industry.”

Irish Film Board chief executive Mark Woods said: “Today’s announcement reinforces the Irish Film Board’s focus on ensuring Ireland retains its reputation as a premier filming destination.”