2001 - A record year for Irish Film Distribution...
Nine films funded by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/ Irish Film Board released in Irish Cinemas this year.
Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board announced today, that a record nine films funded by the Board were released in Irish cinemas in 2001. The Board also confirmed that these films have taken in over £2.2 million at the Irish Box Office to date. Films released ranged from When Brendan met Trudy, H3, Disco Pigs and About Adam to the Shane McGowan documentary, If I Should Fall From Grace.
Commenting on today's announcement, Rod Stoneman, Chief Executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board said:
"2001 has been an unprecedented year for the Irish Film Industry. With a record nine theatrical releases, excellent TV viewership figures and explosive growth in the Video and DVD market, 2001 was a year that domestic audiences embraced the best of new Irish cinema. In addition, there is a significant volume of new talent emerging from films made and produced here in Ireland, and we see no reason why such talent cannot enjoy continued success on a wider, international scale. The figures released today justify our belief that continued support from all sectors is needed to ensure continued growth and success in the industry."
Irish-based distributors such as Clarence Pictures, Buena Vista International and Abbey Films accounted for the release of 8 of the films funded by the Board. Financial support from the Board not only involves development and production funding but also includes Prints & Advertising (P & A) support whereby it matches the distributors financial investment in marketing and releasing a film.
In addition to a record year in cinemas, 2001 has also proved to be an outstanding year for the TV and Video/DVD markets. In March of this year, RTÉ ran its 'Ireland on Screen series' showcasing the best in new Irish cinema. Total viewership figures for the series reached over 1.9 million and films included The General, Park, Crushproof, The Boxer and A Further Gesture.
2001 was also an important year for the Irish fim industry as Accelerator was the first DVD release of an Irish film by an Irish distributor. In addition, When Brendan Met Trudy and About Adam continue to ride high in the Video and DVD rental charts.