In a surprise announcement on Monday, Sile deValera named Osmond J. Kilkenny as the new Chair of the Irish Film Board. The position has been vacant since the retirement of Louis Marcus in March of this year, and has been held in a caretaker capacity since by Ann O’Connell, a Director at PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Most recently Mr. Kilkenny Chaired the Minister’s Film Industry Strategic Review Group. This report forms the basis of the Governments strategic plan for the film and television production industry 2000-2010.
A major recommendation of this report was an increase in the funding provided to the Irish Film Board, something which last weeks book of estimates failed to provide. It was revealed that the Film Board can expect only £5.3 Million for next year's annual budget, far short of the £9.5 Million recommended by the Review Group. Wednesday’s budget announcement will determine the actual amount but it is feared that this proposed shortfall heralds a less than enthusiastic response to it's recommendations including those surrounding the renewal of section 481.
Mr. Kilkenny holds a number of high profile positions both at home and abroad. He is a fellow of the institute of Chartered Accountants and a Senior Partner in the firm of O.J. Kilkenny and Co. with offices in Dublin and London. The firm specialises in the entertainment industry and lists among its clients many of the world’s major artists. In addition Mr. Kilkenny has interests in media and technology. He is a founder shareholder and director of TV3. He is Chairman of Nua ltd. and on the board of The Mill in London and instant video Technologies Inc., based in San Francisco. Mr. Kilkenny is also on the Board of the Special Olympics International and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
Speaking at the announcement Minister deValera said, “Ossie Kilkenny will bring to the Chair an in-depth knowledge of how the entertainment industry works. Given the increased emphasis on the business and commercial development of film production in Ireland, his experience will be an important asset to the Board.”
IFTN will carry a full report on the appointment and the budget announcements in the coming days.
