BOOST FOR IRISH ANIMATION
Bord Scannán na hÉireann / the Irish Film Board (BSÉ/IFB), RTÉ and The Arts Council are delighted to announce that the animation short film scheme fund FRAMEWORKS has been increased by almost 18%.The FRAMEWORKS scheme aims to encourage new and established animators with imagination, visual flair and a commitment to innovative animation and is co-financed by RTE, the Arts Council and Bord Scannán na hÉireann / the Irish Film Board. The fund has been increased from €216,000 to €254,700. This represents €102,350 in funding from both BSÉ/IFB and RTE, and €50,000 from the Arts Council.
This increase for FRAMEWORKS, which was launched in 1997, brings it in line with equivalent live action film schemes such as the RTE, BSÉ/IFB co-financed scheme SHORT CUTS. The increase in financing will be effective immediately from the next round of FRAMEWORKS in April 2005.
FRAMEWORKS has been very successful in developing the Irish animation sector, with highlights including the Academy Award © nominated GIVE UP YER AUL SINS, directed by Cathal Gaffney at Brown Bag Films and the multi-award winning ESCAPE, directed by John Rice. More recently, Monster Animation's DUBLIN 1 has picked up a number of awards on the international festival circuit.
“As part of our budget bid to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, we emphasised the importance of increasing our support for this crucial animation scheme,” said Mark Woods BSÉ/IFB CEO. “The Irish animation industry is highly regarded on the international stage for producing innovative, independent award winning films and we are delighted to be investing in new animation talent. This increase is directly attributable to our recent budget increase granted by Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O’Donoghue." "
RTÉ Television is delighted to be able to increase our support for the Frameworks scheme and to continue bringing these wonderful and varied animated Irish films to our television audience as part of Shortscreen, our short film strand on Saturday nights on RTÉ TWO" said Eilish Kent, Development Executive, RTE Drama.
Director of the Arts Council Mary Cloake said "The Arts Council is committed to encouraging and supporting the work of new and established animators through the Frameworks scheme and is delighted to have been able to increase its support this year."
Other animations co-financed by BSÉ/IFB include Magma Film’s UGLY DUCKLING and Cartoon Saloon’s BRENDAN & THE SECRET OF KELLS. Both films are in the late stages of financing and have received significant Eurimages support.
The next deadline for applications to the Frameworks short film scheme is April 15th. For any queries about Frameworks applications please contact