Lyons: Creative industries provide opportunities for our young people in Northern Ireland

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has visited Antrim Grammar School to see Northern Ireland Screen's creative education and careers pipeline.

The Minister's visit focused on the elements delivered through Into Film - ScreenWorks and Story Builder, with the Department for Communities providing £352,000 to the scheme.

He also met R2D2, a replica of the famous robot from the Star Wars film franchise which was created by the students.

The Minister said: “I was pleased to support and see for myself the work of Into Film in Northern Ireland and am proud that we are leading the way across the UK in developing film education resources and innovative careers programmes.

“Northern Ireland Screen's model of making creativity, cultural access and creative careers accessible to all, through schools is extremely successful and Into Film is a key part of that.

“Our creative industries are a major growth area and recent developments, particularly in screen technology, will provide unprecedented opportunities for our young people.

“Clear talent pipelines, and education which builds creative and digital skills and improves career awareness, will be key in helping young people to take advantage of new local opportunities.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen commented: “The screen industry offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities, from writing and directing to animation, VFX and production, and it's vital that young people can see a clear pathway into those roles.

“With support from the Department for Communities, Into Film and ScreenWorks deliver initiatives that strengthen Moving Image Arts, giving students like those we met at Antrim Grammar hands-on experience, industry insight and the confidence to fulfil their potential. By nurturing talent in our classrooms today, we are building the creative workforce of tomorrow here at home.”

Notes to editors:

1. Northern Ireland Screen delivers significant creative industries linked education programme for the Department, a number of aspects of which are delivered by Into Film.
2. Antrim Grammar is a regular participant in the ScreenWorks programme, with students taking part in activities including the creation of a life-size R2D2 prop from Star Wars, the production of a suit of gladiator armour, and visits to virtual production facilities in Belfast.
3. Storybuilder: an interactive teaching resource package, funded by DfC, allows teachers to support engagement with learning and build transferable skills across the curriculum through storytelling and creativity, while introducing screen careers and related skills. Into Film also offers free virtual workshops to participating schools, using Q&A sessions to encourage collaboration and teamwork.
4. Story Builder: Filmmaker was created to support GCSE Moving Image Arts and you launched it in October 2025. The resource supports students to structure and create their own story idea for a film while also provide core GCSE Moving Image Arts learning.