Legendary director Ridley Scott (whose films includes Alien and Blade Runner) has announced plans to executive produce sic new films in Northern Ireland. The Prometheus director will oversee the six movies that will reportedly take three years to film.

According to Entertainment.ie, what has excited the film community in the north even more is Scott's intention is to make use of local talent and staff.

'Our target is to create a structure that enables filmmakers to push boundaries and to excite audiences. Our proposed model of filmmaking allows us to give directors the opportunity to really innovate through narrative, production techniques and distribution strategies,' Scott's company said in a statement.

The films will be low budget but high concept affairs in the genres of horror, thriller and science fiction.

Andrew Reid, Head of Production for NI Screen, said: 'We have been looking for a model which would allow us to forecast future production in Northern Ireland over the next few years. Orchard and Scott Free brought us a compelling proposition to complement our other large incoming productions, such as Game of Thrones.'

Focus Features International's Alison Thompson added that there is 'an appetite and market for high-concept low budget films. That combined with Ridley Scott's pedigree will be very attractive to international buyers.'

Northern Ireland is quickly becoming the Hollywood of northern Europe.