Patrick McCartan
Ceist:1 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach the proposals he has to give active and financial support to attracting foreign film makers to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Support for Film Makers.
The main thrust of State support for film making is geared to assist native film makers. That support is provided in the form of various tax reliefs and by the assistance of a number of State agencies, including CTT, the IDA, RTE and the Arts Council.
The more professional and commercial approach which has been adopted in recent years by film makers in this country has been complemented greatly by the State support to which I have referred. This has resulted in a very considerable expansion in the value of our TV and film exports. The value of such exports is estimated by CTT to have amounted to £12 million, £20 million, £25 million and £30 million for the years 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 respectively. It is expected that it will amount to £36 million in 1991.
The IDA continue to be successful in attracting to Ireland a number of foreign interests engaged in pre- and post-production work for corporate and feature videos, TV, film documentaries and series, animation, music recording and other ancillary support services. The IDA estimate that total permanent employment here in such grant-supported companies originating from overseas is in excess of 600 That figure does not include many casual and temporary staff.
In addition to IDA initiatives, CTT actively encourage overseas film production companies to work with Irish partners and use Irish post-production facilities. The promotional efforts of CTT at major International film-TV fairs has significantly increased the profile of the Irish film sector abroad, thereby putting many Irish film makers in touch with overseas partners interested in co-producing in Ireland.
RTE participated in eight major co-productions with overseas film makers in 1989-90, while Bord Fáilte, as part of their publicity activities designed to generate awareness of Ireland's holiday attractions, assisted over 40 overseas TV crews in 1990 to identify Irish locations, subjects, and people for interview.
There are strong indications that several major, large budget films will be shot in Ireland this year by overseas film makers. I note with particular satisfaction a statement in "Production Ireland", a privately published comprehensive guide to Irish film production companies, that 1990, the best ever year for theatrical features shot in Ireland, promises to be dramatically overtaken in 1991, given the number of incoming film projects likely to be produced here this year. That achievement is due to various factors, including the excellent promotional work being done by the various State agencies to which I have referred.
I thank the Taoiseach for at least underscoring the importance of this area of cultural activity for the country. Given the degree to which neighbouring countries, in particular our nearest neighbour, are actively increasing their sponsorship and aids to foreign film makers, would the Taoiseach agree that it is important that Ireland takes a more active involvement in attracting film makers to this country in view of the wide potential that exists in that field? Are there specific proposals in consultation with the IDA or other agencies to introduce a special package promoting Ireland as a suitable location for making films?
I have outlined a range of support by all the different agencies, for indigenous film making and to attract foreign film makers. These are being relatively successful.
Is there a specific package with incentives or funding earmarked to attract foreigners, or is it just an accident that an independent foreign film maker chooses Ireland? Do we actively look to bring people here?
Yes, we do, through CTT mainly.