The informal event gave the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan an opportunity to address the Academy Members, made up of some key players in the Irish film and television industry, and to give an overview of issues he sees arising in the sector.
IFTA CEO Áine Moriarty welcomed the Minister for Arts to the Academy Breakfast and introduced him to the Academy Members saying that he is already showing himself to be incredibly committed to this industry. She acknowledged his enthusiasm, his straight talking and his ability to get things done before inviting Minister Deenihan to address the room. Minister Deenihan began his address by referencing his own first-hand experience of the hard work that goes into documentary filmmaking, especially the funding and that he recognised the importance of securing funding to the sector. Minister Deenihan commented on the Section 481 tax initiative saying "As we all know it takes some time to develop a concept for a film. For a film that may be starting in 2013, it might not come to fruition until maybe 3 or 4 years later. I think the extension of Section 481 up until 2015 gave a lot of certainty and that certainty is welcomed." The Minister also acknowledged the importance of support from the Irish Film Board, whose funding was only slightly reduced in the last budget, saying "hopefully it can be sustained at that level because it is very important for the industry and the Film Board does tremendous work."
Minister Deenihan acknowledged the past success of the Irish Film and Television industry and anticipated a positive future saying "Ireland has a history of storytelling and that story telling is still part of us. We have to try and foster that ability as much as possible. I definitely see huge potential in this industry. I get positive feedback internationally about this film industry. We are punching way above our weight internationally for such a small country and we have achieved amazing success. We should recognize that and be proud of that but more importantly take confidence in what we have achieved.”
The Minister referenced the impending Audio Visual Strategic Review and indicated the Department's strategy in that report was to increase the value of the Irish Audiovisual Sector from ½ billion to one billion and to increase the number of people in the sector from just under 6,000 to 10,000 during his time in the Ministerial position. Deenihan mentioned that sectors such as animation are very important going forward and referred to some new focus on areas such as commercials production. The Audiovisual Strategic Review, entitled 'Building Ireland's Audiovisual Trade and Economy: 2011-2016' will be going to cabinet next week and will be published "very soon" according to Minister Deenihan.
Responses to the Minister's address from Irish Film & Television Academy Members attending were very positive, with his inside knowledge of the industry and recognition of the importance of funding widely welcomed. Producer Morgan Bushe of Fastnet Films commented "It was great to learn the worth that the Minister holds in regards the Irish film and television industry as a whole and to hear him outline his ambitious plans for how he hopes the sector will grow over the coming years. I think we're fortunate to have someone of his character who will fight our corner in the future both in terms of the government funding allocation for the Irish Film Board and the extension of Section 481". Director of IFTA winning recent release 'The Runway', Ian Power echoed these sentiments saying "It's really encouraging that he seems positive about the government's commitment in terms of finance and also his own outlook, in terms of improving the mechanisms in place. His commitment to improving the sector and realising that it has the potential to be a front runner in the economy is very promising."
Minister Jimmy Deenihan with IFTA Members Morgan Bushe, PJ Dillon and Ian Power |
Ripple World Pictures Dominic Wright said that the words of the Minister were encouraging saying "In these challenging times it was particularly encouraging to hear Minister Deenihan looking forward to energetically engaging with industry practitioners to achieve the targets for the industry set out in the forthcoming strategy document for the sector." Managing Director of Ardmore Studios Kevin Moriarty indicated that the Minister's words demonstrated an understanding of the Irish film industry saying "His awareness of all the elements involved reflects well on the enormous work he must have already undertaken in his short time in office. His passion, enthusiasm and ambitions engendered in those present a belief that we have every reason to have confidence in the future."
Other attendees at the breakfast included new Irish Film Board Chief James Hickey; IFTA winning director Jim Sheridan; Cartoon Saloon producer Paul Young (The Secret of Kells); IFTA winning documentary filmmakers Ken Wardrop and Andrew Freedman (His & Hers); Oscar nominated producer Redmond Morris; Emmy winning costume designer Joan Bergin; IFTA winning actor Gerard McSorley and Ardmore Studio's Managing Director Kevin Moriarty.
Cinematographer/writer/director PJ Dillon commented positively on the Minister's background in the industry with producer Andrew Freedman of Venom Films also recognising the new Minister's personal experience in film saying " he seems to know the processes of making a film and how difficult it is to get the funding together and, most importantly, recognises the importance of engaging on a creative level. It's not only about the money but about making sure Irish stories are told."
Minister Deenihan took the opportunity to praise the work of the Irish Film & Television Academy acknowledging the range of pro-active & educational events being run by IFTA throughout the year, and also saying that the Academy's annual Awards Ceremony (the IFTAs) were "a great showcase for the Irish Film Industry. They are very well run and well organised. The success of the Awards showcase is a great story for the whole industry in this country."
Concluding his address, the Minister spoke enthusiastically about the Irish audiovisual industry and his aims for extended growth which includes his ambition to set up an Irish Arts Channel, a goal he says he will be "pursuing very seriously."
The IFTA Breakfast was held in the Iveagh Room, at the Terrace Restaurant at the National Concert Hall, Dublin.
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