The Audiovisual Federation has published its annual review. The report finds overall expenditure from the sector in Ireland was down from €151.4 million in 2003 to €106.7 million in 2004 with independent TV production on the rise and the Film industry under increasing pressure.
Mr John Cummins of Agtel and Chairman of the Audiovisual Federation stated while feature film production was down, the independent TV productions sector, which includes major TV drama, had a spend in Ireland of €53.7 million, which is up on the spend in 2003 of €42.8 million, a 25% increase and this is projected to rise even further during 2005.
The animation sector spend also rose significantly from €8.2 million in 2003 to €15.1 million in 2004, an 84% increase. Successful series commissioned by RTE included ‘The Clinic’, ‘Pure Mule’ and ‘Love is the Drug’, ‘Celebrity you’re A Star’, and ‘The Asylum’. TG4’s Irish spend increased by 4% and its largest single commission was ‘Ros na Rún’.
Mr Kevin Moriarty, Managing Director of Ardmore Studios, stated that while there were some notable feature film productions including Paramount’s ‘The Honeymooners’, Neil Jordan’s ‘Breakfast on Pluto’ and Noel Pearson’s ‘Tara Road’, the number and value of incoming international productions has decreased since 2003. The continuing weak US dollar was a significant factor in the decrease of large international productions locating in Ireland and there was increased competition from other territories for film location. He said that the industry is actively seeking to address Ireland’s competitive situation and has been encouraged by the support expressed publicly by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John O’Donoghue, who supports the adoption of measures to increase the competitiveness, and ensure the continued success of the film industry.
Tommy McCabe, Director of the Audiovisual Federation, stated that while 2004 was a challenging year it did contribute a net gain to the Irish Exchequer of €12.2 million. The increased Irish spend from the independent TV sector, notably by RTE and TG4 and the animation sector compensated for the decline in feature film. This trend will also continue during 2005 and he hoped that the new Sound and Vision Fund operated by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland will provide added opportunities for financing independent TV and feature film production. He stated that ongoing discussions were taking place with the Government in relation to improving Section 481 film incentive, which would significantly improve the competitiveness of the Irish film sector if implemented.
The Federation also called on the government to provide an appropriate increase in TG4’s exchequer funding so that it has adequate, secure and ongoing resources to fulfil its remit.
The compilation of the report was drawn up by a Steering Committee comprising representatives from the Audiovisual Federation, the Irish Film Board, RTE, TG4, Screen Producers Ireland, the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, Ardmore Studios and the animation sector.
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE REVIEW - CLICK HERE (.pdf)
