'The creative screen industry plays such an important role in Ireland: socially, culturally and economically...' As she finishes her tenure as Chair of Screen Ireland, Dr. Annie Doona, reflects upon an Irish success story, and looks forward to brighter days ahead.
The word 'unprecedented' has been worn out in the last year as the global community has come to grips with COVID-19 – but in recounting the growth experienced by the Irish creative screen industry in the last 10 years, few other words are as appropriate. In 2019, Irish film, television and animation was worth €357 million to the Irish economy, up from €164 million in 2010 – a remarkable increase.
The annual production activity in the Irish animation sector alone increased fourfold in the same period, to €180 million in 2019. And who can forget the record nine Oscar nominations received by Irish creative talent in 2016? It wasn’t a once off, as Ireland has managed to accumulate 31 Academy Award nominations since 2010.
I joined the Board of Screen Ireland in 2013, taking up the role of Chair after the sad and sudden death of Bill O’Herlihy in May 2015, and have since completed two terms in the role. As I pass on the baton and reflect on the changes in the industry since I joined the Board, the key word that comes to mind is growth.
The screen industry has demonstrated significant resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by 20 Screen Ireland initiatives, together with robust health and safety guidelines which has enabled a safe return to work, the industry has continued, albeit at a reduced rate, and is poised to bounce back even stronger when the worst effects of the pandemic passes. Meanwhile, Irish animation continues to thrive.
In 2020, a wide number of film, TV and animation projects were produced with support from Screen Ireland. A number of major international productions were also completed on location in Ireland.
This year, content produced by Irish creative talent and on this island continues to entertain and enthral audience worldwide. Who will ever forget the impact that Normal People had at the height of the first lockdown? Audiences continue to enjoy a raft of Irish films at the Dublin International Film Festival, the new TV series Smother filmed in Co. Clare is receiving high audience figures on RTÉ, and our children continue to be able to watch animation produced in Ireland across all platforms. And there is more to look forward to.
The screen industry has demonstrated significant resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
For many years, Ireland has been synonymous with creative talent - on and behind the screen. This, buoyed by our competitive tax inventive and unique filming locations, has firmly put us on the map globally in a competitive sense. The sector has the potential to continue this growth trajectory, and I believe it will. I am very happy that the groundwork laid down by the Screen Ireland Board members whilst I was Chair will, I believe, lead to the further development of the sector.
It has been identified for some time that a shortage of production infrastructure has stalled the growth of the industry, and there are now plans for expansion across the existing studios, with several new production facilities planned across the country. The additional production space will propel the industry into a new era of growth. And the positive impact that will accrue from the development of these facilities outside of the major urban areas cannot be overstated.
in Wicklow, has been greenlit for a second series.
We are ready for that growth. Skills has been a priority for Screen Ireland throughout my time on the Board and is a subject close to my own heart, from my 13 years as Registrar and President of IADT. In 2019, Ireland became one of the first countries in the world to link its tax incentive to the development of skills on set, a move which I believe will have a long and lasting impact on both new and accomplished creative talent.
Together with my fellow Board members and the staff of Screen Ireland, I have always prioritised the improvement of equality and inclusion in the industry. As a result of the gender equality action plan we introduced in 2015, for example, we have made marked improvements, with female directors rising from 10% to 37% in 2019, and projects with female writers have increasing from 27% to 43% in the same period. And the work continues.
- on and behind the screen.'
With the expanded remit that came with the change in name of the agency from the Irish Film Board to Screen Ireland in 2017 came the responsibility of TV drama production for the first time, reflecting the rapidly changing nature of our industry and what content is being produced, and how it is being consumed. Screen Ireland recently invested €3 million in additional funding across TV drama and established regional talent academies for TV Drama and Animation to support growth and development in this area specifically, and I know that it will be a major success.
The creative screen industry plays such an important role in Ireland: socially, culturally and economically. It was an honour and privilege for me to hold the role of Chair of Screen Ireland and to have the support of such great Screen Ireland staff and Board members and the people and companies that make up the wonderful Irish screen industries.
