Film in Limerick, the Regional Film Office supporting film production and training in the Mid-West has welcomed the announcement of an extension to the Regional Film Uplift in the Budget at the top rate of five per cent for 2021 and the continuation of the initiative until 2023.
Film in Limerick, part of Innovate Limerick, advocated for an extension of the Uplift at the current rate, in a pre-budget submission and regards the mechanism as a vital incentive to develop film and TV production and jobs in the region.
The Uplift allows for additional film tax relief to be applied for if a production is primarily produced in the regions as well as meeting certain requirements in relation to employment and training.
Paul C. Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick welcomed the Budget news.
“We are delighted to hear in the budget that the Uplift will be continued at the top rate into 2021 and the scheme extended to 2023. Needless to say, it’s been a terrible time for film and TV production, as it has for so many sectors, and the Regional Uplift plays a huge role in continuing to attract and support film and TV employment in the Mid-West.”
“The Uplift is linked to training and skills development for locally-based crew and also address skills gaps in our local crew base. Its continuation at the top rate is a vital boost for the industry as we continue to grow the industry in the region.”
The five per cent Regional Film Uplift was first introduced in July 2019 and it has already had an impact, attracting productions that have created new jobs in the regions including on; Foundation, an Apple TV+ sci-fi series at Troy Studios and Smother, a BBC / RTE TV series currently filming in Clare.
The continuation of the Uplift at five per cent will give confidence to Irish and international productions looking to film in the Mid-West and dealing with the many challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.