The director of a film about Belfast, who was behind promotional packs containing nails, a balaclava, gaffer tape and photographs of Northern Ireland has apologised for any offence caused.
Nathan Todd, who studied in Belfast, told BBC Radio Ulster this morning that he was trying to present a picture of the realities a person living in Northern Ireland was faced with, and didn't intend to promote violence.
A Belfast Story stars Colm Meaney and goes on release next month. In the run-up to that release press packs were sent out by the makers of the film containing the items, which many have described as offensive.
Newstalk's received its deliveries:
Press pack, should I say box, for the new Colm Meeney film "A Belfast Story" is mad! Balaclava, duct tape ... pic.twitter.com/dVUH5cuidm
— Caroline Clarke (@carolineclarke) August 22, 2013
And the press pack's been the subject of much comment on Twitter:
Genuinely stunned by this. Not quite sure what point whoever sent it is trying to make. But I'm pretty sure it's a moronic one.
— Chris Hewitt (@ChrisHewitt) August 21, 2013
For those asking for proof: balaclava, gaffer tape, nails. Needless to say, I shall not be seeing this movie. pic.twitter.com/buZLwLDWpx
— Chris Hewitt (@ChrisHewitt) August 21, 2013
Having a bad hair day? Chic just got a balaclava in the post from A Belfast Story film-makers, posed by @moirahannon pic.twitter.com/DQp4hvX0Qd
— Star Chic (@starchicmag) August 23, 2013
I hope I'm the first person to say "Facepalm D'Or" about the Belfast Story press kit with the balaclava... http://t.co/OI3lhfe2Qu
— Executive Steve (@EXECUTIVESTEVE) August 22, 2013
http://t.co/AFPzpTszkd Cheap holidays in other people's misery... 'Terrorist kit' press-pack sent out to promote A Belfast Story
— Stuart Clark (@stuartclark66) August 22, 2013
Publicity agency @WaytoBlueUK drops A Belfast Story following ‘misguided’ balaclava mailer http://t.co/iKyf2q08WE
— The Drum (@TheDrum) August 22, 2013
Irish background
According to Nathan Todd's biog piece on IMDB, the film industry's go-to personnel database, he studied in Belfast, and went to school both there and in Cork. He describes his storytelling as dark, thoughtful and eccentric.
