Press release
Screen Ireland announces production and development investment in TV Drama Funding
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Screen Ireland has announced details of a range of production and development investments as part of the €3 million in funding received as part of the July Jobs Stimulus. As part of the initial allocation, €0.9 million has been awarded to five TV drama projects with production set to commence in Galway, Cork and Limerick by the end of 2020. Screen Ireland also announced that it would provide funding for a number of joint Development Initiatives with Irish broadcasters including RTÉ, Virgin Media TV and TG4.
Speaking this morning Minister Martin said:
"As part of the July Jobs Stimulus, I was very pleased to be able to allocate €3 million in funding to Screen Ireland to support TV drama funding. The recent global success of ‘Normal People’, which was developed and produced in Ireland and received support from Screen Ireland’s TV Drama Production Fund, has been a highlight in what has been a very difficult time for the audiovisual sector and a testament to the potential of Irish creative talent. The government’s Audiovisual Action Plan recognises the opportunities in the area of TV drama and this additional funding provides employment opportunities, support and encouragement to grow this sector.
"I am also very pleased to note the geographical spread of the initial awards by Screen Ireland. Growing the audiovisual industry outside of the traditional production hubs is a key facet in growing the audiovisual sector and offering quality employment in the regions. Last year saw the introduction of the regional film development uplift as part of section 481 which is designed to boost production across the country and create pools of local talent, and I am delighted to see further impetus being given to that aim as Screen Ireland announces today’s initial round of funding.
"Screen Ireland also announced today that a new Talent Development Academy for drama and scripted production will be launched shortly. This will comprise a €0.6 million fund and will focus on regional, emerging and diverse talent development, further complementing the goal of regional growth and ultimately leading to job opportunities in the sector."
ENDS