*Photograph: Valerie O’Sullivan
A German film is to begin production in Kilkee next month.
One of Germany’s largest broadcaster, ARD will broadcast the TV movie which is titled ‘Planlos in Ireland’. Principal photography is scheduled to commence in West Clare on July 22nd. A HSE compliant COVID-19 action plan has been developed for the production.
Kilkee was chosen as the location for its scenery and proximity to Shannon Airport. The film is a joint production by H&V Entertainment GmbH and Treehouse Media Ltd. It will be broadcast by ARD and is being supported by tax incentives from the Irish Government.
Regional Film Manager with Film in Limerick, Paul C. Ryan stated, “With our breathtaking locations and our skilled film crews, the Mid-West region is attracting more and more film and TV productions in recent years. After the recent success of ‘Calm with Horses’, which also filmed in Kilkee, we are looking forward to this new production filming in the town and the resulting economic benefit to the wider area”.
Local representative, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) said, “I look forward to extending our famous West Clare welcome to the cast and crew for the duration of their stay”. He noted that Kilkee’s coast, “stunning scenery” and Shannon Airport were influences in it being chosen as the location.
Geraldine Voss, Producer, H&V Entertainment GmbH expressed her happiness at finding Kilkee “for this heartwarming and funny movie about a woman finding her inner strength, her adventurous side and her sense of humour on the beautiful coast of Clare”.
Connie is the main character in the movie. An executive secretary in Germany for many years, when she discovers that fluency in written and spoken English has suddenly become a key requirement at her office, she realises she needs a plan. To save her job, Connie leaves her incredulous husband, Dirk, and her pregnant daughter, Anja, at home and flies to Ireland to take an intensive language course. But she isn’t quite prepared for her new quirky landlady and teacher.
“It is wonderful to know that images of County Clare will be beamed into homes around Germany. We welcome many visitors from Germany to our county every year, whether that is to hike and cycle in our beautiful countryside or to visit the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren or the many other tourist attractions Clare has to offer. It is very encouraging that Clare is becoming more and more established as a filming location and a destination for production crews,” Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling commented.
