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Film, TV production take E217m hit in 09

Friday, November 20 14:14:26

The value of feature film, television and animation productions in Ireland will have fallen by around E217m by the end of the current year, according to The Audiovisual Federation, which published its 2009 review today.

Last year, 266 audiovisual productions were completed in Ireland, with a total production value of E246.8 million.

This was a significant increase on 2007 (E195.7 million). Estimates for 2009 are, however, showing a fall to E217 million.

But animation performed well with its production value increasing from E38.9m in 2008 to an estimate E43m this year.

"Notwithstanding current pressures, the audiovisual sector remains vibrant and continues to make a significant contribution to the Irish economy. The sector is one of Ireland's great success stories and it is critical that public policy continues to support the industry, to ensure that this momentum is not lost," Audiovisual Federation director Tommy McCabe said at the launch of the Review.

"In 2008, the net benefit to the economy was E25.7m, which is the highest return since 2003, and over 1,631 people were employed in full-time equivalent jobs. The level of production activity for feature films increased to E71.9 million in 2008, up from E19.3m in 2007, but estimates for 2009 show a fall to E65m. Films produced in 2008 included Cracks (starring Sinead Cusack and directed by Jordan Scott), Five minutes of Heaven (starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbit), Ondine and Triage (starring Colin Farrell)," he added.

A notable highlight for this year was a Golden Globe award for Colin Farrell for the film In Bruges.

Kevin Moriarty, MD of Ardmore Studios and Chairman of the Audiovisual Federation Database Committee, which produced the report, said the film and television industry continues to have great potential for the Irish economy and the culture of Ireland.

"We applaud the Government for taking measures to restore competitiveness and enable Ireland to continue to participate in the huge international growth of the industry. Despite the current economic climate, it is vital that the Government continues to support this industry, as it can yield tangible benefits for Ireland," he said.