FILM REPORT FORECASTS GROWTH FOR IRISH INDUSTRY
WITH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
(Released on MONDAY 30TH JUNE 2003)
A report published today reveals that Ireland's
film and television drama industry has the potential to triple
in size over the next ten years if tax incentives for film production
remain in place. The economic report, Realising the Potential
of the Irish Film and Television Industry - A Unique National
Asset forecasts that the industry could employ up to 11,000 people
directly and contribute €500 million in expenditure by 2010,
with appropriate Government support.
The report, commissioned by Screen Producers Ireland
(formerly Film Makers Ireland) and supported by RTE, SIPTU, IBEC
Audio Visual Federation and Irish Actor's Equity Group, assesses
the contribution of the Irish film and television drama industry
to the Irish economy and identifies the measures required to sustain
and develop the industry into the future. It states that the industry
achieved an average of 18% annual growth over the last 10 years.
This has resulted in a large talent pool of specialist skills
available within the sector, which means that Ireland is in position
to take best advantage of accelerated growth.
The report's analysis shows that the industry currently employs
4,300 directly and a further 3,000 through the influence of film
on the attraction of international tourists. The 4,300 jobs alone
inject €49 million annually into the Irish labour market.
The industry contributes €107 million annually to Irish GDP
and attracts an average of €136 million annually through
foreign inward investment.
Speaking at the launch Joan Egan, Chair, Screen Producers Ireland
and Executive Director, Tyrone Productions, stated that the industry
is not only an economic asset but also a valuable conduit to express
our national identity. Film is a powerful medium, which influences
how societies see themselves and are viewed by the world. A vibrant
indigenous industry promotes cultural diversity and a sense of
self-determination.
"Many countries place significant emphasis on protecting
their indigenous cultures through strong film and television support.
Film industry Governmental support has become a standard internationally
with almost every EU country now having a tax incentive in place.
Indeed many countries have followed Ireland's lead in establishing
such schemes. Without a tax incentive scheme, Ireland will no
longer be considered as a location for international film productions,
and indigenous filmmakers will struggle to survive without the
necessary assistance required to produce commercially viable projects.
In the absence of a tax incentive, 80% of production work would
cease in the short term with a corresponding impact on jobs losses,"
Ms Egan says.
Award winning film writer/director/producer Jim Sheridan said,
"The industry has made great achievements in the last decade
and cannot be underestimated in relation to its contribution to
Ireland both economically and culturally. Ireland now ranks in
the top six preferred locations for film production in the world
and this has been achieved by the industry positioning itself,
building its experience and knowledge at every level and through
the consistent support of various Irish Governments."
"This report shows that we are now in a position
to support additional films, and further develop the indigenous
industry. Feature film and television drama production creates
jobs, generates economic activity, helps tourism and pays taxes.
It also attracts inward investment to Ireland that would not otherwise
take place. With the right direction and support, and our pool
of home grown talent, Ireland's industry has the potential to
grow significantly in the next few years," Mr Sheridan continued.
"The Government has seen much success through its incentives
and policy support for the Irish pharmaceutical, software and
biotech industries and this approach should be applied to the
Irish film and television drama sector."
The report's Executive Summary highlights a number of recommendations
to assist the industry continue its growth and include:
A ten-year extension to film tax incentives, subject to a five-year
review.
This will assist create a stable environment
to facilitate industry planning cycles
(on average 18 months) and to sustain
the commitment of indigenous talent.
An increase of the cap on investment to €21 million.
The budget level that defines the cap on investment
has remained the same for the last 16
years. An increase is now required to reflect the changing market
place and to allow Ireland compete against
other countries with tax incentives.
The establishment of a Certification Standards Board to advise
and assist the
certification process administered by the Department
of Arts, Sport and Tourism.
The incorporation of recently published Revenue Guidelines in
legislation in order to protect the industry
and tax incentive scheme.
Ms Egan continues: "The film industry has
not only benefited Ireland economically, but culturally it has
helped us nurture our national identity, and put many locations
in Ireland on the world stage, due to their association with film.
For example, 8% of tourists cite film as a factor in their decision
to come to Ireland each year."
Ms Egan concluded that SPI is confident that the Government will
recognise the value of ongoing partnership with the industry and
that it will take on board the recommendations set out in its
report.
FOR INFORMATION:
Siobhan Molloy/Niamh Boylan Tel: (01) 676 01 68
Weber Shandwick FCC (086) 817 50 66/ 086 3809191
Screen Producers Ireland
Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) is the representative body for
over 225 independent film and television production companies
in Ireland, working in the areas of feature film, television,
animation and new media. Formerly known as Film Makers Ireland,
SPI represents the interests and concerns of its members on issues
affecting the current and future working environment of the independent
film and television sector in Ireland.
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