Big Mountain to bring hit show to the US

Jane Kelly and Philip McGovern of Big Mountain Productions

Dundalk-based television production company Big Mountain Productions has got one step closer to bringing RTE hit Craft Master to US audiences.

It has signed a deal with US producer North South to pitch the show to US networks. Craft Master harnesses the growing popularity of arts and crafts like Linda McKay’s millinery, knitting and loom-banding.

Big Mountain hopes to emulate the success of its show Genealogy Roadshow, whose format was snapped up by US public broadcaster PBS. The programme is now in its second season on PBS.

Big Mountain made €1.6m last year. Demand for content is booming as online providers like Netflix seek more quality programming, managing director Philip McGovern said.

Xtravision’s future in doubt after it goes into receivership

The future of Dundalk’s last DVD and games rental store could be in doubt after Xtravision was placed into receivership this morning.

The company hires 1,024 people nationwide but has seen profits tumble in recent years by a growing number of people turning to online entertainment services such as Netflix.

Xtravision Dundalk recently relocated from the Adelphi building to a unit at the Exchange Building on the Long Walk.

The local outlet is thought to employ around a dozen staff and is one of the few remaining places in town still selling DVDs and boxsets following the closure of HMV earlier this year.

It is the last remaining rental outlet in Dundalk following the closure of various competitors in recent years, including Cassidy’s Supervision, Planet, Green Video and Chartbusters.

Ernst and Young are expected to be appointed receivers today with the business set to remain operating in the short-term in the hope that a buyer can be found.