His new project will offer production services across film and television drama as a co-producer on projects across both post and VFX production. Rockabill will also assist international projects that wish to access Irish tax incentives under Section 481.
Windmill Lane Pictures said they have “no plans to appoint a successor” to Murphy.
Speaking to IFTN, Michael Murphy said the announcement had got a “good reaction” from those in the industry.
He added: “My ambition is to provide a completely transparent funding structure so that all aspects of the financing process are visible and accessible to my clients. And, of course, I am very interested in seeing where I can add value to projects.
“I’m looking forward to working with producers and post houses in Dublin on different projects and through the contacts I’ve built over the past 25 years working in the business, I know that there’s real opportunity out there to compliment the work that’s already being done.”
Asked how many the new start-up would employ Murphy said: “Initially I’m starting off as myself and after that it will be dependent on the project. Like any production company, I will gear up in terms of projects. I already have one consultancy at the moment, which just requires myself, but is for a big international company.
“On the production side, like everybody else, it will depend on the nature of the project. So if it’s a post or visual effects job, a Dublin post and visual effects studio might handle that. But if it’s more on the production side I’d be looking to work with line producers and other creative producers, which I’ve already being doing.”
Elaborating on his role in helping clients access the Irish tax incentive he said: “Well I’ll be acting as the Irish co-producer and putting together the funding application to the tax authorities, but also working with the local production companies and post houses to ensure that the project is deliverable both financially and creatively. As with all projects you need to assess them carefully, that you are not committing yourself to something that is not deliverable or does not fulfil the cultural requirements.”
For the last two and a half years, Murphy has worked with Windmill Lane Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Windmill Lane Pictures.
