‘Closing the Ring’ Begins Production
News Report by Daniel Laverick
Richard Attenborough’s twelfth film has begun its principle shooting in Belfast. Starring Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Plummer and Pete Posthlethwaite, Closing the Ring is a love story that spans two continents and over half a century. Filming will switch to Canada once production at Belfast’s new Titanic studios finishes and will continue into June until completion.
Closing the Ring is backed by the UK Film Council and the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission with Content Film International handling the worldwide distribution of the film. Produced by Jo Gilbert and Martin Katz, Closing the Ring is a co-production with Canada that those involved with the project hope will lead onto further ventures in the future. Gilbert was quoted as saying:
"This landmark co-production with Canada marks an incredible opportunity for the film industry of Northern Ireland. To have a British film icon like Richard Attenborough and actors and filmmakers the calibre of Shirley MacLaine and Roger Pratt filming this movie here in Belfast with local crew and actors is a phenomenal achievement for this community. In addition to forging a new and strong link with Canada, it will show the rest of the world that Northern Ireland has a vibrant film industry and that we are indeed open for business."
The number of co-production involving Britain has increased significantly in the last few years with notable success. Co-productions have been well received at the UK box office and have indicated an alternate route to the culturally ‘pure’ British productions that have struggled to make an impact in recent years.
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