The recent decision not to proceed with a second series of the big budget TV drama series Camelot after the conclusion of season one on US screens has been a blow to Irish studio, Ardmore.

But, according to Kevin Moriarty, Managing Director of Ardmore Studios where the Arthurian drama was being shot, the Starz network decision could provide an unexpected but welcome opening for other producers currently hunting for a high quality facility with a proven track record of success.

He said: "The loss of Camelot is disappointing, but I am optimistic that we could soon have another production in its place."

Based in Bray, Co Wicklow, Ardmore Studios is Ireland's leading film and television production centre and has called 'action' on over 100 movies since it first opened in 1958, including many screen classics and Oscar winners, such as The Lion In Winter, Braveheart and My Left Foot.

This tradition of excellence has continued right up to the present day, most notably with The Tudors, the acclaimed Ardmore-based historical drama series starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, which enjoyed four seasons of award-laden success from 2007-10.

Kevin Moriarty said: "The success of The Tudors firmly underlines Ardmore's credentials as a top quality production venue and while it is difficult to second guess the decision to drop Camelot, I am pleased that we received a lot of positive feedback about it that reflects well on the facilities and services we provide at Ardmore.

"From the point of view of a film or television producer, it can sometimes be a major challenge to find a quality production facility, so in that light, the opening created by the departure of Camelot represents a real opportunity."

Located just 12 miles south of Dublin, Ardmore Studios is Ireland's only four-wall studio and provides a comprehensive array of world-class film and television facilities under a single roof.

These include five versatile sound stages, digital sound facilities, a wide selection of advanced 35mm and 16mm cameras, first-class lighting facilities, special effects, rigging, 26 fully-serviced production offices, make-up, hair and wardrobe departments, star dressing rooms, preview/dubbing theatres, editing suites, art departments, workshops and prop stores, a restaurant, bar and catering services and a production consultancy.

As evidenced by the wide variety of settings depicted in Ardmore-based productions, its close proximity to both Dublin and the outstandingly beautiful Wicklow countryside means it is ideally suited to offer an excellent choice of superb location options.

Productions based in Ardmore can also avail of generous tax incentives for filming in Ireland - since 2008, film and television productions filming in the Republic can claim back up to 28% of their spend in the country.

According to Kevin Moriarty, playing host to The Tudors and Camelot in recent years has proved to the international film production community that when it comes to production values, Ardmore can match the best in the business.

(KMcA/GK)