BBC Report: Four TV Series Contributed Over £43 Million to Northern Ireland’s Economy

A BBC report has estimated that the television series Blue Lights, Hope Street, Mastermind, and Celebrity Mastermind collectively generated over £43 million for the economy of Northern Ireland. All four of these series are produced within Northern Ireland. The same report estimates that Blue Lights and Hope Street alone supported more than 280 jobs. For the 2023/24 period, the BBC’s investment in Northern Ireland amounted to £112 million, as detailed in the report, which was compiled by BBC economists utilizing data provided by independent production companies. The report indicated that the police drama Blue Lights contributed an estimated £20 million to the Northern Ireland economy across its initial two series, through both employment and expenditures within its supply chain. This series, produced by Two Cities Television, employed an average of 59 cast members, with 83% of them either born in or residing in Northern Ireland. Among the 246 crew members, over 87% were from Northern Ireland. The four series of Hope Street generated £17.5 million for the Northern Ireland economy, while the two series of Mastermind contributed £6 million. Furthermore, the report specifies that the BBC has supported 20 independent companies in Northern Ireland this year by funding ideas development and strategic development initiatives. At the Belfast Media Festival, BBC director general Tim Davie stated: “Today there can be no doubt about the world-class offer of this sector, and the creative firepower of this nation. Big, multi-series BBC dramas like Blue Lights have played a key role in helping to drive and embed that change, and returning series like Hope Street are vital in both showcasing the skills on offer here and providing a career pathway for individuals to develop. But perhaps most important of all is the fact that shows like these are telling the unique, authentic stories of this place and its people.“I believe a thriving and sustainable screen industry in Northern Ireland needs the BBC at its heart. A BBC that, in its second century here, is more committed than ever before to working with the sector and backing its future.” The BBC also announced the commissioning of Farm 999, a new series to be produced by Belfast-based Stellify Media. This 15-part series will feature first-hand accounts involving emergency services and rural communities throughout the UK. Additionally, the BBC confirmed that The Finish Line will return for a third series, with filming scheduled to commence in Belfast early next year. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details on its approach to external linking are available.