Official Television Audience Measurement (TAM) Ireland figures show that Irish-language thriller ‘An Bronntanas’ has been seen by 340,000 people during the opening four episodes, making it one the most popular original drama series ever broadcast on TG4, according to TG4 Deputy CEO Pádhraic Ó Ciardha.
This Thursday, November 20th sees the final episode of the drama starring Dara Devaney (‘Na Cloigne’), Owen McDonnell (‘Single Handed’) alongside veteran Irish-American TV and theatre actor John Finn (‘Cold Case’). As IFTN previously reported, the film version of ‘An Bronntanas’ has been chosen as Ireland’s submission for the 2015 Foreign Language Oscar.
TG4’s Deputy CEO, Pádhraic Ó Ciardha said of the ratings: ‘The direct audience feedback and on social media as well as in media commentary and reviews at home and abroad confirms to us that ‘An Bronntanas’ has hit the spot,’ he said. ‘Regular viewers of our channel confirm that it delivers on their requirement for a súil eile approach to drama. Others remark on the innovative visual style and unique dramatic atmosphere – the Celtic Noir that has grabbed their attention in ways not unlike some recent Scandinavian TV crime drama.’
Alongside the TAM Ireland figures, TG4 also commissions NUIG to run ‘Fios Físe’, a viewer panel solely comprising fluent Irish speakers with TG4 confirming that each of the first three episodes being watched by in excess of 60% of the Fios Físe panel, with approval ratings up in the 90’s.
Series Producer Ciarán Ó Cofaigh says: ‘We are delighted with the success of ‘An Bronntanas’ and the positive reaction from all the different age groups. Between crew, cast and funders, we believe that we have delivered a drama series that can compete on a world stage. Personally, it is particularly satisfying to achieve this through the Irish language.’
The original Irish language show was developed by Galway based production company ROSG and Derry based De Facto Films. Additional cast includes Pól Ó Gríofa, Janusz Sheagall, Charlotte Bradley, Michelle Beamish, and Dean Whatton. It is directed by Tom Collins (‘Kings’) who also produced with Ciarán Ó Cofaigh. The series was shot in various locations in Connemara, with Cian de Buitléir as the Director of Photography.
‘An Bronntanas’ is funded by TG4, The BAI, Bord Scannán na hÉireann and Northern Ireland Screen/ Irish Language Broadcast Fund.
‘An Bronntanas’ series finale airs Thursday 20th November at 9.30pm, TG4.
Check out our interview with producer Ciarán Ó Cofaigh here.
