Screen producers call for cash boost in film industry

A multi-million euro cash boost is needed across the film industry to maintain Ireland's place as a top class location for producers…

A multi-million euro cash boost is needed across the film industry to maintain Ireland's place as a top class location for producers, it was claimed today.

Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) called on the Government to allocate more than €30 million as part of a film friendly Budget.

Mr Malcolm Byrne, SPI director, said more money was need for the Irish Film Board and TG4 in order to remain competitive with other countries.

"The forthcoming budget offers the Government the chance to make a real difference to the film production industry in Ireland," Mr Byrne said.

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He said the Irish Film Board needed a €2 million boost, while TG4 had to be funded to the tune of almost €30 million over the next 12 months.

"Despite the large amount of revenue the board helps bring into the country every year their level of resourcing is less than a quarter of that of their counterparts in Denmark," Mr Byrne said.

"If the board is to continue its good work it needs an increase of about €2 million per year. Otherwise the Irish film industry will lose out."

The SPI also said a like-for-like funding system was needed north and south of the border in order for Irish production companies to have a fair fight for new films.

"They will have the resources and revenue, thanks to the funding measures introduced in Northern Ireland, to undercut companies in the south when it comes to tendering for commissions," Mr Byrne said.

"Government must do all in their power to ensure there is a level playing field in this regard."

SPI said funding for TG4 should be increased to €30 million for 2005 (up from €23.3 million) with further staged increases over the following three years, reaching €44 million in 2008.

Mr Byrne said the massive cash boost was needed to ensure the Irish language continued to blossom.

"This money is badly needed if TG4 is to broadcast more original Irish programming and live up to the remit that it was established to fulfil," Mr Byrne said.

"TG4 management want to be in a position to broadcast six hours of original Irish language programming everyday, almost doubling the amount they currently broadcast.

"But the simple fact is they can't afford to with the budget they currently have."

The group also called on the Minister to keep a close eye on incentive schemes in other countries and to be prepared to match any offers made in a bid to keep Ireland at the pinnacle of international film making.

At the very least, Mr Byrne added, the State had to remain as competitive as the UK in attracting producers.