BiggerStage, the Irish independent production company founded by broadcast veteran Pat Kiely, has announced multimillion-euro agreements with Hackman Capital Partners’ Troy Studios and The MBS Group to create a global unscripted production hub at the world class production facility in County Limerick, Ireland.
Troy Studios, Ireland’s largest and most modern studio facility, spans 26 acres, including four sound stages totalling 100,000 sq. ft (9,290 sq m) with an overall footprint of 350,000 sq. ft (32,516 sq m).
Under an initial multi-year deal, Bigger Stage and Troy Studios will invest to attract major international television formats to Limerick, with BiggerStage producing projects on the ground while supporting extensive training and skills development.
In addition, Troy Studios will be a home for original IP development – a destination where the next wave of global hit programmes can be piloted at scale with unrivalled efficiency. The facility will host a number of pilot projects for major international partners in 2026, alongside Bigger Stage’s expanding original slate.
Ireland has seen substantial growth in international TV production over the past three years, supporting dozens of SMEs and creating hundreds of skilled jobs. Since its 2021 inception, BiggerStage has produced over 250 hours of primetime programming in Ireland, including The Floor, Next Level Chef, Beat Shazam, Name That Tune, and Don’t Forget The Lyrics. Central to Bigger Stage’s success is a cost-effective EU-based production model with a common travel area with the UK.
Speaking from the Prime Time production conference in Canada Pat Kiely, CEO & Founder of BiggerStage, said: “We are truly entering a golden age for the television industry in Ireland. Europe’s first unscripted tax credit will help Ireland compete more effectively on the world stage to become the home of global formats, the fastest growing area of television production. This investment in Troy Studio will allow us offer a world class base for international production. Irish crews are renowned as the best in the business and we look forward to creating a sustainable centre of excellence in Limerick, surrounded by great infrastructure, expanding centres of learning and a brilliant hospitality industry. Ireland’s creative industry is on a real high; never has there been a better time to expand our global offering and drive more investment in jobs, training, development and infrastructure.”
Also speaking from the Prime Time production conference in Canada, Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport said “This announcement is yet another strong signal that Ireland is open, competitive and ambitious when it comes to investment in the creative services sector. The creation of a global hub for unscripted production at Troy Studios will not only attract major international players to Limerick, it illustrates how Ireland has the infrastructure, talent, creativity and production expertise to lead in this space.”
Elaine Geraghty, Managing Director Troy Studios, said, “The new deal firmly positions Limerick and Ireland at the forefront of global television production, supported by the unique advantages presented by Ireland’s unscripted tax credit. Together, we are dedicated to building a global production hub that will benefit the creative sector, generate employment, and deliver outstanding original content for audiences worldwide.
Alastair Boucaut, EVP Global Studio Platform, Hackman Capital Partners, said, “We are thrilled and delighted that Bigger Stage has made a long -term commitment to Troy Studios. Our facility was built to welcome bold and innovative companies like Bigger Stage that have proven international production success. This collaboration will bring exciting projects to Ireland and significantly strengthen the country’s creative industry.
Jason Hariton, Chief Studio and Real Estate Officer at MBS Group added: “We look forward to continuing our work with the BiggerStage team to ensure they have the technical equipment and resources required to continue their leading role in the growth and success of Ireland’s vibrant screen industry.”
