Iveagh praised for services to the community

The movie studios, which have been in business for the past eight years, were opened by Dominic Quinn and are run by manager Giles Conlon and his assistant Mark Lavery.

Moments after picking up the award Mark told the Leader the achievement felt “amazing” and “incredible”

Accpeting the accolade for their work within the community, Mark said the business is always keen to exceed expectations.

“We try to provide the best movies for the people of Banbridge and the outlying areas. It’s a hard business because it’s hard to get the right movies into the town but by and large we try our best and we succeed.”

The Movie Studios at Downshire Place have hosted their fair share of celebrities over the years too.

The most recent - and undoubtedley most famous of all - was Lady Gaga when she dropped by for a rehearsal last November ahead of the MTV Music Awards in Belfast. This coup followed years of celeb-visits and exciting events at the studio, which regularly hosts concerts and plays.

Television presenter Barry Norman visited the location in 2007, much to the delight of staff pictured with him.

The staff, as with any business, are a particularly important element, added Mark.

“Our staff tend to be teenagers,” he said. “It’s their first experience of employment and we try to pass onto them the knowledge and skills they can take into their further employment.”

Eager to remain involved with the local community the studio is also very keen to support charity work, having hosted a very successful Children In Need event in 2004, and donated to Newry Hospice among many other charities.

In terms of community theatre the Movie Studios regularly host Banbridge Musical Society which never fails to provide the audience with a great night’s entertainment.