ADDITIONAL FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE IRISH FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY IN 2005
The Irish film industry has suffered a slump in production levels since 2003 as a direct result of the strengthening Euro, uncertainty of tax regimes for film and television and the stepping up of competing incentives for filmmaking around the world. As a result of these combined factors, there are now serious implications for the future of the Irish film sector including potential erosion of infrastructure, under-employment and emigration of skills from the sector.In the first instance, and in direct response to the immediate needs of the industry, the Irish Film Board, having consulted with Mr. John O’Donoghue, Minister for the Arts, Sport and Tourism has allocated additional funds to support the production of any new film and television drama projects which commence production prior to the end of 2005. Projects must meet the standard Irish Film Board criteria as set out below and also be considered European Union cultural projects as deemed by the requirements of Section 481 certification.
Up to a total of €1.5 million of additional funding may be allocated to projects which meet the criteria within the timeframe of commencing production prior to the end of 2005.
Minister O’Donoghue said; “I am acutely aware that Irish producers and all of those seeking to attract international productions to Ireland are facing intensified competitive pressures. In conjunction with the Irish Film Board, I will continue to monitor and re-evaluate our position and the measures needed to respond to changing conditions. What is certain is that in a dynamic and constantly evolving environment such as the film sector, the only way to succeed is to stay alert, stay responsive, and compete with the best”.
Applications for the additional funds will be assessed in the usual way by the Production Panel who meet monthly and against the Board’s standard criteria of:
- Creative Strength of Project
- Track Record of Creative Team
- Irish Employment in All Grades
- Spend in the Irish Economy
- Distribution/Sales-Commercial Potential
- Recoupment
In addition, the Irish Film Board, as a matter of urgency, is working on a range of recommendations in consultation with government and industry to restore Ireland’s competitiveness as a centre for film and television production and stimulate growth in Ireland’s film sector.
James Morris, Chair of the Irish Film Board said “This additional support to increase production levels is, in the view of the Irish Film Board, a necessary response in this time of uncertainty within the international film and television industry.”
Bord Scannán na hÉireann/ the Irish Film Board promotes the creative and commercial development of Irish filmmaking and the use of Ireland as a location. To apply for this funding please visit our website www.filmboard.ie and apply through the usual production funding guidelines.