We're not leaving Northern Ireland, says 'Game of Thrones' exec

A spokesman for the makers of 'Game of Thrones' has insisted the company was not thinking about leaving any time soon.

“We hope to be here for a long period of time,” a HBO executive.

“We look forward to making more seasons of Game Of Thrones.”

Northern Ireland’s business-friendly environment is on the radar of many production studios in the US after the success of filming the fantasy drama in the region, a senior executive from its creators has claimed.

HBO executive vice-president Jay Roewe hailed the burgeoning local film sector as he attended today’s investment conference in Belfast.

Northern Ireland has provided the backdrop for three seasons of the popular series, with a fourth currently being shot.

British government incentives helped attract HBO to the region, but Mr Roewe insisted the state support was only one factor that made Northern Ireland an attractive option for production studios.

“There is a business-friendly environment here where we feel secure, we feel safe and we feel support, and on top of everything else there is a genuine enthusiasm with people wanting to help be part of a successful business,” he said.

The executive added: “I can tell you unequivocally right now people are already asking us about Northern Ireland, have already made enquiries as to how it’s going for us here and it’s on the radar, so the word is already getting out.”

Mr Roewe said HBO’s time in the region would leave a tangible legacy.

“Among the things we are bringing to Northern Ireland by shooting 'Game Of Thrones' here is an opportunity for people to work on a world-class production and we are used to working with the top film makers in the world and we have brought those people here,” he said.

“We have had an opportunity to work with the local people here and there is a great educational situation going on here where they are learning how to do great productions and, when we eventually leave, the people of Northern Ireland will be able to carry on with other productions in the future at the same quality level that we are working on with Game Of Thrones.”