Irelands newest film office opens its doors in Offaly
FilmOffaly, Ireland's latest film office is officially launching tonight, September 10th in Tullamore. Administered through Offaly County Councils Arts Office, FilmOffaly aims to promote Offaly as a film location and to support and promote local filmmakers.
Offaly has been a key location for a number of feature films over the last three years such as the international production Becoming Jane and Lenny Abrahamson's award winning Garage as well as a number of television drama's including The Tudors and Hide and Seek. Screenwriter Eugene O'Brien and director Declan Recks are both Offaly natives who have used Offaly as the location for their award winning collaborations Eden (Tribeca Film Festival) and Pure Mule (IFTA).
There are a number of production companies based in Offaly including Good Company Productions (Hectors Adventures) and Mixed Bag Media. Penny Lane Recording Studios are based in Tullamore while SWG Editing Suite are based in Portarlington making the technical needs of a production company on location very easy.
Manus Hingerty, Location Manager has experience of working in Offaly on location saying "It's easy to get to and it offers a version of real Ireland with lots of different elements in it. There is a pool of extras who are available, people who know what the film business is about, facilities and various other services which understand the film business".
FilmOffaly's website offers a one stop shop for production companies and location managers. A production team can shop for locations; find their civic contacts, taxi companies, catering facilities, airfields, accommodation and extras all with the scroll of a cursor.
To find out more about FilmOffaly, check out their website.