New TV shows are to begin filming in Galway, Cork, Clare, and Limerick.
2020 has already proven to be a monumental year for Ireland in terms of TV and movie production. Apple+ are currently filming the most expensive TV show ever made here, and considering Game Of Thrones was filmed here, that is quite the statement. Matt Damon and Ridley Scott have received a lot of attention for filming their new movie here. Normal People proved to be one of the biggest shows of the year, resulting in some serious awards attention.
But on the flip-side, Covid-19 essentially brought the production side of things to its knees, unable to move forward safely or at the same speed they could have previously.
In direct response to this, the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin T.D. announced that the government were committing an additional €3 million in TV drama funding, focused on increasing TV drama production activity and creating additional jobs in the sector.
As a result, Screen Ireland have announced that five new shows have already been assigned some of this funding, and these projects are expected to film on location in Galway, Cork, Clare, and Limerick well into 2021.
Screen Ireland Chair Dr. Annie Doona said:
“Throughout the pandemic, Screen Ireland’s focus has been to support the sector in getting back into production as safely as possible. There are now a number of projects up and running with strict COVID-19 guidelines in place. The industry is demonstrating resilience and creativity in making sure that production can go ahead, whilst also keeping strict protocols and procedures in place to control the spread of COVID-19.
“As the pandemic continues to evolve, the stimulus support fund made available from Government has provided us with a clear path of investment for the television sector, ensuring further opportunity for employment and creative development in the months ahead and into 2021. The establishment of a new National Talent Academy within the sector and based in the regions will also help to provide an engine of expert growth and skills development as part of a regional, diversity and inclusion roadmap.”
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