BBDO Freezes Northern Ireland to Launch the Game of Thrones Studio Tour

BBDO Dublin today announced the launch of their brooding and powerful campaign to mark the opening of the world’s first and only Game Of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.  

Working alongside HBO (series production company), Linen Mills Studios and BBDO Dublin client, Tourism Northern Ireland, the agency took inspiration from the quote "Winter Is Coming" - the motto of House Stark and one of the defining quotes of the series - in producing the 30-second spectacular. 

The ad was written by Kirk Bannon, Ben Clifford and Dillon Elliot and features a sinister raven guiding the viewer through an amazing tour of vistas of Northern Ireland, slowly under the grip of snow and ice, before arriving at the entrance to the Studio Tour. 

Agency executive creative director, Shane O’Brien stated: “Our brief was to tell everyone where Game of Thrones’ new home was.  The answer was simple: an ice storm of epic proportions spreading across Northern Ireland leading us to Banbridge.  Piranha Bar, as always, did a fantastic job in helping us realise that vision through stunning CGI visual effects.”

“This campaign perfectly encapsulates the unique essence of Game Of Thrones and will make fans excited in planning their visit”, said Naomi Waite, director of marketing at Tourism Northern Ireland.  

“And of course, you don’t need to appreciate the minutiae of the Great Houses of Westeros to enjoy the stunning shots of Northern Ireland and experience our Giant Spirit”, she added.  

The Studio Tour experience takes you from script to screen and emerges you in all things Game Of Thrones, bringing you through the making of the show, the most popular in Sky TV’s history. It features a dozen original sets plus original costumes, props and weapons that were all used in the making of Game Of Thrones. 

Game of Thrones is the epic drama series based on the acclaimed book series by George R.R. Martin follows the tumultuous struggle for the Iron Throne. 

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour, is located at Linen Mill Studios, the authentic filming location of the blockbuster series.

The Game Of Thrones Studio Tour opens this month and is the only one of its kind in the world.  It is anticipated to attract significant economic benefit to the Banbridge and throughout Northern Ireland.  

The Sandymount-based agency enjoyed a considerable period of growth in 2021, culminating with the Irish Agency of the Year accolade at the Kinsale Shark Awards.

Clients of BBDO Dublin include Tourism Northern Ireland, Lidl, Diageo, the GAA, RSA (Road Safety Authority), EBS, VW, Eirgrid, and IDA Ireland.