Young Stars of New BBC Drama Reflect on Shooting in North Down and Belfast
Belfast — The young cast of a new BBC drama have spoken warmly about their experience filming in North Down and Belfast, praising the region's scenic locations, welcoming communities, and the professional expertise of local crew — adding their voices to a growing chorus of praise for Northern Ireland's world-class screen industry.
Background
Northern Ireland's screen industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. What began with the landmark success of Game of Thrones — which brought an estimated £250 million to the local economy over its eight-season run — has evolved into a mature, diversified production ecosystem capable of attracting and delivering major projects across drama, documentary, and factual programming. Northern Ireland Screen's 2022-2026 strategy, "Stories, Skills and Sustainability," generated over £477 million for the local economy, surpassing its initial target of £442 million and cementing the region's status as one of the UK's premier production destinations.
The North Down coastline, with its dramatic scenery and accessible locations, has become a particularly sought-after backdrop for television drama. The BBC series Hope Street — set in the fictional coastal town of Port Devine — has been filming its fifth series in Donaghadee, County Down, since June 2025, bringing sustained economic activity to the area and showcasing its natural beauty to audiences across the UK and Ireland. Belfast itself continues to attract major productions: Blue Lights, the acclaimed BBC police drama, is currently filming its fourth series in the city for a 2026 release, while the third series of the BAFTA-winning drama Time, starring David Tennant, began filming in Belfast in March 2026.
The statistics behind this success are striking. On major productions supported by Northern Ireland Screen, 73% of Heads of Department and 88% of the crew are Northern Ireland residents — a figure that reflects the depth of local talent that has been developed over years of sustained investment in skills and training.
Key Developments
The cast members of the new BBC drama spoke enthusiastically about their time filming in Northern Ireland, praising both the scenic locations in North Down and the vibrant atmosphere of Belfast city. Many noted that the experience gave them a new appreciation for Northern Ireland's natural beauty and cultural richness, while highlighting the professionalism and warmth of the local crew and communities they encountered during the shoot. Their positive testimonials add to a growing body of evidence that Northern Ireland's reputation as a filming destination extends well beyond its physical landscapes to encompass the quality of the people and infrastructure that support productions.
The new drama is expected to air later in 2026, giving audiences across the UK and beyond a chance to see North Down and Belfast through the lens of the production. Northern Ireland Screen launched a new four-year strategy, "The Full Picture," in April 2026, building on the success of its predecessor with a focus on innovation, skills development, and global collaboration — signalling that the ambition driving the industry's growth shows no sign of diminishing.
Why It Matters
The screen industry's contribution to Northern Ireland goes far beyond the economic figures, significant as those are. Every major production that films in the region serves as a form of cultural diplomacy — showcasing Northern Ireland's landscapes, communities, and talent to global audiences who might otherwise have little reason to think about the place. The success of Game of Thrones in transforming perceptions of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination has been well documented, and subsequent productions have built on that foundation. For a region that spent decades defined in the international imagination by conflict, the ability to project a new identity through world-class creative work is genuinely transformative. The young actors' enthusiasm for their time in North Down and Belfast is a small but meaningful contribution to that ongoing project.
Local Impact
For communities in North Down and across Belfast, the economic benefits of major productions are tangible and immediate. Local businesses — from catering companies and accommodation providers to transport operators and equipment suppliers — benefit directly from the spending that accompanies a major shoot. The employment figures are equally significant: with 88% of crew on major productions being Northern Ireland residents, the screen industry provides high-quality, skilled employment that keeps talent in the region rather than forcing it to migrate to London or further afield. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, coming to Belfast in August 2026, will further raise the city's international profile — and the combination of cultural events and screen industry activity is creating a virtuous cycle of investment and reputation that is reshaping how Belfast is perceived around the world.
What's Next
The new BBC drama is expected to air later in 2026, and its reception will be watched closely by the Northern Ireland screen industry as a further demonstration of the region's capacity to deliver compelling, high-quality television. Northern Ireland Screen's new "The Full Picture" strategy sets ambitious targets for the coming four years, with a particular focus on developing the next generation of local talent and attracting international co-productions that can showcase Northern Ireland to global audiences. For the young actors who spent time filming in North Down and Belfast, the experience is likely to be one they carry with them throughout their careers — and their enthusiasm for the region will, in its own small way, help ensure that more productions follow in their footsteps.
Sources: Northern Ireland Screen | BBC Media Centre | Belfast Telegraph
