It has been reported by the Sunday Independent that a number of senior Hollywood executives recently visited Ireland to look at potential locations and infrastructure for a film adaptation on ‘Artemis Fowl’ - based on the popular young people’s science fiction novels by Wexford writer Eoin Colfer. The Hollywood production, which is being developed by Disney and the Weinstein Company, has a reported budget of $100m. However, the shortage in studio space could result in delays and the cancelation of future film and television productions in Ireland.
The Chief Executive of Ardmore Studios, Siun Ni Raghallaigh, has stated: “This shortage of space is a serious issue and we would say that Ireland is losing business as a result. Whilst internationally, reaction to our new tax credit is very positive, there are genuine concerns about the lack of available studio space in Ireland to match the new business potential.”
Ashford Studios recently had to turn away a Chinese delegation as it is filming the €35m ‘Vikings’ series and does not have the space for another production. The attraction of productions such as this and the Artemis Fowl film would generate hundreds of jobs and see generous investment in the economy.
According to the Sunday Independent, the founder of Ashford Studios, Joe O’Connell, has submitted a major planning application to expand his studio. He is seeking a change in government policy that would see studios classed as commercial buildings as opposed to strategic infrastructure. This would allow the studio to pay less in planning and development fees, and business rates. It is supposed that high-level departmental meetings have also negotiated a government scheme which would promote new movie infrastructure such as sound stages.
As reported by IFTN last week, the Irish Film Board announced that they were seeking expressions of interest from key industry players about what they can commit to building if an incentive package is offered by the government. James Hickey, Chief Executive of the IFB, said these expressions of interest are targeted “to inform government about the potential availability of, and private sector support for, new dedicated audio visual content studio facilities additional to what is available at present.” Read more about the scheme and how to apply here.