About 150 temporary jobs will be created with the filming of a multi-million dollar Hollywood movie in Ireland, it was announced today.
Leap Yearwill start shooting before the end of this month, creating work for local crew as well as hiring 1,500 extras during its five month production period.
The film ,which stars Amy Adams and Matthew Goode, tells the story of an American woman travelling to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on February 29th. She ends up getting lost in the Irish countryside on her journey, where she meets a local innkeeper played by Goode and they both set out to find her boyfriend in Dublin.
The film will be shot in and around the Aran Islands, Connemara, Temple Bar, Georgian Dublin and Wicklow National Park.
The $16.5 million project was made possible after the Government increased the tax break threshold for investing in films. The legislation was ratified by the European Commission this week.
Under previous rules, an individual investing up to €31,750 in an Irish film production could write off 80 per cent against tax. But now that increases to €50,000 with 100 per cent relief.
The amendments have been made to restore Ireland’s competitiveness as an international film and television location.
Minister for the Arts Martin Cullen said the change will help Ireland remain competitive in the industry.
“The film and TV production industry is a fast moving and competitive global one,” Mr Cullen said. “Ireland has now done what is essential to remain competitive in this crucial high-end inward investment industry.
“The investment pipeline for this year is promising and I believe that these adjustments to the tax investment regime will be the catalyst in securing those opportunities for Ireland."
James Morris, Irish Film Board chairman, said the tax incentive improvements will allow Ireland to compete for high-end productions at the same level as other European countries.