Report says films, TV could be worth €1bn

IRELAND’S TELEVISION and film sector could double in size to become a €1 billion industry in the next five years if a concerted effort is made to target international markets, a report suggests.

A dedicated Irish film channel, a fund to promote Irish films at home and a co-production fund to bring in major international television series and films are among the recommendations in Creative Capital: Building Ireland’s Audiovisual Creative Economy, which was commissioned by the Government.

It says Irish production companies need to become much more focused on international markets if the industry is going to fulfil its potential. The report believes the audiovisual sector, which includes all television and film produced in Ireland, could double its turnover from €500 million to €1 billion and increase employment in the sector from 6,000 to 10,000 within five years.

This cannot be achieved without a greater emphasis on international markets and it recommends that Enterprise Ireland and Culture Ireland be directly involved in promoting Irish films abroad.

It believes Enterprise Ireland, which helps indigenous companies that export, should be tasked with helping audiovisual firms in international markets and the IDA should be involved in getting foreign direct investment in the sector into Ireland.

Irish film and television needs to be more orientated towards an international market and producers should adopt a “make-to-sell” culture for international audiences.

Irish Film Board chairman James Morris, who was on the steering committee which compiled the report, said indigenous production companies were “up to the limit” in terms of exploiting the limited local market.

Mr Morris said many companies were focused solely on the production side of making films and programmes and needed to become more savvy at exploiting the commercial aspects of their work in other markets.

A €2 million co-production fund could help generate €40 million in bringing in productions of the scale of The Tudors and Camelot, the report states. It acknowledges the struggles Irish films have in getting noticed and it recommends that the Irish Film Board be involved in marketing and promoting such films.

The Sound and Vision fund, which is critical to the success of independent production companies, should be transferred from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to the film board.

The report recommends common industry training standards and identifies retention of section 481 tax breaks until 2020 as key to keeping the industry competitive.

Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan has approved the formation of an interdepartmental committee to examine implementation of the report’s recommendations.