Vol. 518 No. 1
46 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if any specific proposals have been made for the production of additional films here arising from her visit to the United States and her discussions with various film industry leaders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10897/00]
My goal on my visit to Los Angeles in late February was to publicise the five year renewal of the section 481 tax incentive scheme, confirm the Government's commitment to the film production industry and create awareness of the many benefits of filming in Ireland.
Given the considerable timescale for film development it is too early to give a definitive statement on the positive outcome of my visit. I am pleased, however, to inform the Deputy that as a result of my meetings with US film industry leaders, the Screen Commission of Ireland is pursuing a number of positive lines of inquiry from Hollywood producers and studios who are considering Ireland as a location for productions scheduled for filming within the next 18 months to two years.
I thank the Minister for her reply. She told us in March that she received a very positive reaction and was confident her visit had created opportunities. Obviously some opportunities have been created. How confident is she of these initiatives coming to fruition? Can she give in round figures an estimate of what will flow from her visit to Los Angeles and her contacts with the film industry there?
We went there with a very specific task and goal, namely, to put forward the case regarding the film industry, not least the extension of the section 481 incentive scheme, and the other incentives which exist. It was a follow on from the strategic review group, which I set up over a year and a half ago and which reported to me, the recommendations of which are not only being examined but implemented.
Regarding the business we hope will follow from the visit, we had positive responses from a number of leaders in the film industry. We attended a number of meetings, not least with Twentieth Century Fox, HBO, Warner Brothers, MGM and the William Morris Agency. We also took the opportunity to attend the Locations Expo where the Screen Commission has been doing much work.
The Screen Commission has told me that the visits to Los Angeles over the past two and a half years have been very helpful, particularly the last visit, as it has had a number of very interesting inquiries and discussions with those involved at a high level in the film industry. We hope there will be a positive response but I am not in a position to give any further facts or figures. As the Deputy will be aware, it takes quite some time – at least two years – to build up the necessary information and finances for a film.
I take it the Minister does not believe a film will go into production this year arising from her visit.
I cannot give a definitive reply. Certainly the Screen Commission of Ireland has reported a very positive view of the visit.
