A quick look at film production in Ireland and the major influencers involved.
Ireland has a vibrant and growing film industry with a range of film production companies contributing to its success. In recent years, the Irish film industry has gone from strength to strength, attracting international productions and talent, and generating significant revenue for the Irish economy.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the film production companies in Ireland, their contribution to the industry, and some examples of their work.
The Irish film industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by several factors, including a supportive government policy framework, a favorable tax regime, and a vibrant pool of local talent. According to the Irish Film Board, the total value of film and television production activity in Ireland was €285 million in 2019, a 27% increase from 2018 (IFI, 2020). This growth has been accompanied by a proliferation of film production companies that have contributed to the sector’s expansion and transformation. This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the film production companies in Ireland, examining their role in shaping the industry, the opportunities they offer, and the challenges they face.
Film Production Companies in Ireland:Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges
The Irish film production industry has seen a significant increase in the number of companies operating in the sector. This growth has been accompanied by an increasing number of domestic and international film productions taking place in the country. Some of the prominent film production companies in Ireland include Element Pictures, Treasure Entertainment, Samson Films, Parallel Films, and Sixteen Films.
One of the significant opportunities for film production companies in Ireland is the favorable government policy framework that supports the industry. The Irish government has introduced various incentives, including the Irish Film Production Tax Credit, which provides a 32% tax credit on eligible Irish expenditure incurred by qualifying productions. This has made Ireland an attractive location for international productions, and many major productions have been attracted to the country, such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Game of Thrones, and The Young Offenders.
Furthermore, Ireland has a talented pool of filmmakers and crew members, which provides a significant advantage for film production companies operating in the country. The Irish Film Board provides funding for development, production, and distribution of Irish films and co-productions, and this funding has enabled film production companies to develop and produce high-quality films that have garnered critical acclaim and international recognition. For instance, Element Pictures, an Irish production company, produced the critically acclaimed films, The Favourite and Normal People, which won several awards and nominations globally.
Despite these opportunities, film production companies in Ireland face several challenges, including a limited pool of crew members and a lack of suitable production facilities. This has led to increased competition for skilled crew members and the need for production companies to invest in training and development programs.
Element Pictures
Element Pictures is one of Ireland’s most successful film production companies, with a reputation for producing high-quality, award-winning films. Founded in 2001 by Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe, Element Pictures has produced over 30 feature films, including The Lobster, Room, The Favourite, and Normal People. The company has won numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Actress for Brie Larson’s performance in Room. In 2020, Element Pictures generated revenues of €38 million and employed over 70 people.
Treasure Entertainment
Treasure Entertainment is another prominent film production company in Ireland, founded in 2007 by Rebecca O’Flanagan and Robert Walpole. The company has produced a range of films, including The Stag, A Date for Mad Mary, and Handsome Devil. Treasure Entertainment is also active in television production, with credits including the critically acclaimed series, Red Rock. In 2020, Treasure Entertainment reported revenues of €6.5 million and employed 24 people.
Screen Ireland
Screen Ireland is the national development agency for the Irish film, television, and animation industry. The agency provides funding and support for film production companies and filmmakers in Ireland, with the aim of promoting and developing Irish film and talent. In 2020, Screen Ireland allocated over €21 million in funding to Irish film and television projects.
Parallel Films
Parallel Films is a Dublin-based film production company, founded in 1993 by Alan Moloney. The company has produced a range of successful films, including The Crying Game, Breakfast on Pluto, and Intermission. Parallel Films has also been involved in co-productions with international partners, including The Queen, directed by Stephen Frears. In 2020, Parallel Films generated revenues of €6.5 million and employed 14 people.
Fantastic Films
Fantastic Films is a Dublin-based film production company, founded in 1989 by Brendan McCarthy and John McDonnell. The company specializes in genre films, including horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Fantastic Films has produced a range of successful films, including The Hallow, Wake Wood, and Sea Fever. The company is also involved in international co-productions, including the critically acclaimed film, The Other Lamb. In 2020, Fantastic Films reported revenues of €2.5 million and employed 10 people.
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Ian Oliver
Head of Operations
Head of Operations at Letcombe Production I have been working in the arts and culture sector for over 20 years in Ireland. I am passionate about business development for artists and creatives as well as building totally inclusive societies.
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