Study Announced For Irish Film & TV Sector

Ireland's Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, has commissioned an economic analysis of the country's screen based creative industries.

After an open tender process, Olsberg SPI Ltd – in association with Nordicity, will conduct the study which will look at the economic impact and potential of the Irish film, TV and animation sector.

It is understood a steering group, led by Minister Humphreys' Department, with representatives of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Irish Film Board and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, will liaise with the tenderer.

Minister Humphreys said: "The Irish audio visual sector is a growing industry with huge potential. 2016 has been a fantastic year for the film industry, with wide international acclaim for a number of Irish productions. Our animation sector has been going from strength to strength in recent years and the increasing demand for high quality TV productions also provides new opportunities.

"While we know that the audio visual sector supports thousands of jobs, I believe there is significant potential for further growth in the years ahead. It has also been a number of years since a comprehensive study of the sector was carried out. This economic analysis will consider the scale and economic contribution of the screen-based creative industries and examine its potential to expand further.

"The economic analysis will be carried out in less than six months and will then help to inform Government strategies and initiatives as we seek to enhance Ireland's reputation as a home of creative talent."

(JP)