An extensive consultation was conducted from December 2020 to January 2021 with stakeholders across the Irish screen industry, including workshops, interviews and over 170 public survey responses. The key messages from the stakeholder survey were as follows:
Investment in talent is critical to the future of the industry
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Key areas that require investment:
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Talent development through training and skills development
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Increased diversity and mentoring opportunities
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Focus on regional development
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Support to prepare for the post-Covid era
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Further development and production funding
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Increased promotion of Ireland internationally
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Support for attending festivals and markets
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- Screen Ireland responded to the pandemic with timely, effective supports and investment policies are clear to the majority of the industry.
- Screen Ireland plays a dynamic role in Section 481 skills development and training.
Industry growth will be based on the animation sector, increased focus towards TV drama and reaching younger audiences
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A key dynamic driving change in the industry is the growth of the Irish animation sector.
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Increased focus towards building TV drama and responding to the global audience appetite.
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Reaching younger audiences with the appropriate content will be critical to industry growth.
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The biggest challenges after Covid are keeping up with the evolving industry, supporting original productions and ensuring equity in how funds are distributed.
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Shadowing/mentoring opportunities could help to leverage additional value from inward production.
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Screen Ireland is perceived as the quality brand for developing and funding home grown talent and productions.
Epic locations, expanded studio facilities and crews will ensure Ireland remains an attractive location
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The main features that make the creative screen industry unique are the great crews and creative talent, epic locations and varied landscapes.
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The availability of more studio space and an improved Section 481 incentive should be used to attract “Ireland as a location” aided by better infrastructure, especially in the regions.
Supportive culture and values will be a solid platform for future development
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Sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion criteria should be a prerequisite for future funding.
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Providing a positive culture with supporting values that embrace fairness, sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion will be important in attracting talent and investment.
Partnerships
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More partnerships should be established with third-level institutions to ensure greater alignment between education provision and the ongoing and future needs of the industry.
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Partnerships and collaborations encompassing streaming services should also be considered.
