Bad news for Belfast Blade Runner project.
The major TV series Blade Runner 2099 is will no longer be filmed in Northern Ireland, it has been confirmed.
The series, based on the iconic films, was due to be shot in Belfast.
Northern Ireland Screen's Chief Executive Richard Williams said his organisation was "extremely disappointed" at the change. Mr Williams said it left "a gap in Northern Ireland's production schedule" as many local crews and companies have been relying on the project for work.
To date, just over £1.5m has been spent on preparations to bring the production to Belfast, but BBC News NI understands this money is in the process of being recouped.
Blade Runner and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049, were both critically acclaimed and hugely influential films.
The TV series Blade Runner 2099 had been commissioned by the streaming giant Amazon. Ridley Scott, who directed the original 1982 Blade Runner film, was listed as the programme's executive producer.
NI Screen announced last year that the series would be filmed on location in Belfast and the project was to be based in Belfast Harbour Studios. But that has changed and it is unclear exactly why.
in a statement on Thursday, NI Screen's chief executive expressed disappointment that Northern Ireland would no longer host the production.
"We are conscious that these difficult decisions do happen in the screen industry, particularly with the most expensive projects which carry the greatest expectations," Mr Williams said. "This obviously leaves a gap in Northern Ireland's production schedule and Northern Ireland Screen will do everything it can to plug that gap as quickly as possible, mindful that many freelance crew and supply chain companies were relying on this project for work."
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67012882