Two months ago, Hammerlake Studios revealed a plan that would see Lough Sheever in Mullingar become home to one of the largest studios in Western Europe.
The 25-acre-site in Robinstown, if given the green planning light, may attract some of the world’s stars to Mullingar as 350-film crew are predicted to be needed in a full-time capacity.
In a town that is known for its international success in the music industry, will we now see a boom in on-screen talent? Local director Terry McMahon, actress Niamh Algar, and production expert Sarah Jane Foster certainly think so…
Niamh Algar – actor
One of Ireland’s most exciting on-screen prospects, Niamh Algar, jokingly asked “why couldn’t this have been around when I grew up?”
Set to star in new ITV medical drama Malpractice and IFTA best actress winner for The Virtues, Niamh said she is fully behind the development of a studio at Lough Sheever.
She said she had to “thread my own path” to get where she is, but mirrored Terry McMahon’s belief that acting at the highest level can become a much more realistic prospect for the town’s youth, if the studio is built.
“It would make it a real possibility [acting] for young people in Mullingar and shows that you don’t need to go to cities like London to have a career in the industry to make it.
“And also, it’s not just going to be for actors, there’s directing, filmmaking, crew and construction.”
