IBEC’s Audiovisual Federation today launched its 2011 Review of film and television production in Ireland at their Dublin headquarters. The report covers 261 audiovisual productions completed in Ireland in 2010, with a total production value of €387.9 million – a significant increase of €144.6 million on 2009.
Reflecting the completion of major features including ‘Haywire’, ‘Albert Nobbs’, ‘This Must Be The Place’ and ‘The Last Furlong’, Audiovisual output for feature film almost doubled, rising from €58.6m in 2009 to €116.7m in 2010.
Independent TV and major TV drama output also increased dramatically from €127.1m in 2009 to €241.5m in 2010 with TV productions from 2010 including ‘Single-Handed’, ‘Camelot’, ‘Rós na Rún’ and ‘Primeval’ Series Four.
Independent TV Productions including major TV Drama make up 73% of the total Irish expenditure. The total Irish expenditure of the sector, which made a contribution of €170.8 m to the exchequer and provided 1,695 full-time jobs, is €204.7m - the highest ever recorded figure.
Animation output dropped from 2009 levels (€57.6m) and now stands at €29.7m for 2010. Although representatives at the launch say they expect levels to rise again next year, as a number of significant projects are currently in production.
Speaking at the launch, MD of Ardmore Studios and Chairman of the Audiovisual Federation committee said “2010 has been a record year for the Irish film and television industry, a sector that continues to make a significant contribution to the Irish economy. The ability of the industry to maintain this level of activity despite economic circumstances has been made possible by the decision of the Government to provide necessary amendments to the Section 481 film tax relief scheme in the Finance Act 2009 to restore competitiveness.”
Chief Executive of Screen Producers Ireland Barbara Galavan also emphasised the importance of Section 481 to the Irish industry, saying “It provides a great opportunity for producers to be able to attract incoming productions. Given the challenges that are facing some of the broadcasters at the moment, this is where our potential growth can come from. It provides valuable employment.” Galavan also spoke of the importance of the Irish Film Board Funding to Irish production and about the recently published Creative Capital Report, which ”shows the potential for significant growth in challenging times.”
James Hickey, CEO of the Irish Film Board said “It is heartening to see this level of feature films in Ireland and the international interest, respect, and achievement they are courting. We are busy trying to encourage ongoing television production.” Hickey also said that the Film Board is working towards more television drama production and ”There are a lot of projects in the pipeline there. We are excited about the level of activity that will occur in television drama production going forward to 2012.”
Upcoming Irish drama productions include Danny DeVito’s ‘Charlotte Doyle’, which will film in Ireland in 2012, Neil Jordan’s ‘Byzantium’ and Ciaran Donnelly’s ‘Titanic-Blood and Steel’.
Download a copy of the full report - click here.
