The WRAP Fund Welcomes The Approval Of The Regional Film Development Uplift Available To Projects Undertaking Production In The West of Ireland
The Western Region Audiovisual Producer’s Fund (WRAP) is delighted to welcome the approval of the Regional Film Development Uplift by the European Commission, announced by Minister Josepha Madigan (Department of Culture, Heritage & The Gaeltacht) and Minister Paschal Donohoe (Department of Finance) today.
The regional uplift will be available to qualifying projects under the Section 481 Film Tax Credit undertaking substantial production in the WRAP region of Clare, Donegal, Galway City and County, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo. Available over the next four year, there will be an enhancement to the current 32% Section 481 tax credit of 5% in 2019 and 2020, 3% in 2021 and 2% in 2022. Productions (feature film, television drama, animation and creative documentary) will be required to provide training and skills development opportunities for individuals habitually resident in the area and such training should address a skills deficit.
The introduction of the regional uplift will provide a critical boost to the West of Ireland, supporting the development and the growth of the audiovisual sector. This potential is reflected in recent WRAP supported projects including feature films CALM WITH HORSES, DEATH OF A LADIES MAN and THE WINTER LAKE and animation OOOPS 2!…BACK IN THE DEEP END which will generate combined expenditure of over €4million in the region. The enhancement will support local production companies in bringing more stories to the screen and provide regional talent, cast and crew with greater opportunities.
Tomás Ó Síocháin, Chief Executive of the Western Development Commission (WDC) said “the regional uplift, the skilled workforce and the unique beauty of the Western region combine to offer a globally competitive location for the Audiovisual sector. The WRAP Fund is a core part of the work of the WDC, and working with others, continues to develop the Creative Economy, in a sector that offers significant global potential for growth”.
Alan Duggan, Manager of the Galway Film Centre (GFC) welcomes the approval of the S481 Regional Uplift, “the regions have a wealth of creative talent and we are excited to see this grow into the future. GFC is proud to be supporting talent in the West for the last 30 years through the WRAP Fund and other initiatives and looks forward to supporting that talent for years to come”.
Sarah Dillon, Development Manager of the WRAP Fund, added “the approval of the Section 481 regional uplift is the news we have been waiting for in the West of Ireland. WRAP is the only regional fund available in Ireland and it combined with the enhanced support from the tax credit will make the region very attractive to Irish and international productions. The incentive is critical to the growth of the indigenous industry in the West and in supporting the development of local talent. WRAP would like to thank the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Finance and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation for their foresight and continued support of the sector and also Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland and Screen Skills Ireland for their work on this important incentive”.
In addition to the approval of the Regional Film Development Uplift, EU approval has also been received for the extension of the Section 481 Film Tax Credit until 2024. This provides critical assurances for future planning within the audiovisual sector.
The Western Region Audiovisual Producers Fund (WRAP Fund) is an initiative of the Western Development Commission and Galway Film Centre in association with the local authorities of Clare, Donegal, Galway City, Galway County, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
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