Bloodlands is a new crime thriller following DCI Tom Brannick, played by Co Antrim born actor James Nesbitt and filmed in Northern Ireland, principally in Strangford Lough.
It's a classic Jed Mercurio executive produced thriller written by Chris Brandon who having grown up in Strangford, knows the area well.
Strangford Lough from Old Norse Strangr Fjörðr, meaning "strong sea-inlet," is a stunning sea lough in east County Down. It is the largest inlet in the British Isles covering 150 sq km and reputedly has over 70 islands, one of which is a scene for the film. In 877 AD it was the scene of a battle between two groups of rival Vikings and now in Bloodlands the scene of an investigation into an assassin who has re-emerged after 20 years. A discovery on the Strangford Lough island helps him in the case.
Strangford Lough - a stunning sea lough in east County Down is the latest Northern Ireland location for film companies
The location according to The Telegraph, has been kept secret as the owners of the island fear an influx of visitors, as happened after the filming of Game of Thrones at various locations in Northern Ireland when official tours took fans to the location sites.
According to The Telegraph, Director Pete Travis said that a conscious decision to keep the location secret was made after the owners of the original island location pulled out as they were nervous about it attracting tourists. He also said that the logistics of getting the crew to the chosen island was difficult but the production hired two local men to transport them. On the last day, treacherous weather forced the entire crew to be evacuated at short notice.
Bloodlands, an HTM Television production co-owned by Jed Mercurio airs on BBC 1 at 9 pm on Sunday 21st February.
