Pinewood Studios have announced the launch of Pinewood Production Ireland Limited.
Screen Producers Ireland have welcomed the announcement with SPI CEO Barbara Galavan stating: ‘It is a welcome development for the Irish film and television industry that Pinewood have chosen to add Ireland to their international portfolio of locations. We believe this initiative by a major international studio facility to establish a footprint in Ireland is testament to the professional production industry and creative talent pool that is available here. It will enhance the level of production activity and provide valuable employment. In time we hope they will also be able to add much needed studio space to their Irish offering.’
Pinewood Productions Ireland Limited is a full service production company focusing on physical production administration, Section 481 application and packaging.
The new company will service Pinewood’s International clients shooting on location in Ireland. Services range from pre-production budgeting and location scouting, through facilities rentals and talent and crew sourcing.
The company plans to hire a Head of Production to service the Ireland offering. Paul Donovan, MD of Irish production company Deadpan Pictures, has been appointed to the board of directors of the company.
SPI CEO Barbara Galavan added:‘The Irish Government are to be commended for enhancing Ireland’s film and television tax incentive, Section 481 last year. This was clearly a factor in Pinewood’s decision to launch Pinewood Productions Ireland.’
From 1 January 2015, Ireland's tax incentive ‘Section 481’ (Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) for film and television has been enhanced, creating a new payable tax credit programme worth up to 32% of eligible Irish expenditure, based on the cost of all cast & crew working in Ireland, regardless of nationality.
Speaking for Pinewood Studios Group, Commercial Director, Nick Smith said: ‘We are delighted to announce this exciting new venture in Ireland. Pinewood Productions Ireland will expand Pinewood’s global offering and enhance the services we can offer our International clients.’