Spending from the Irish animation industry outpaced the mix of live TV and film

Spending from the Irish animation industry outpaced the mix of live TV and film


Much of that growth is due to Section 481, which is worth up to 32% of Irish eligible expenditure (37% in some regions). Speaking with Cartoon Brew, Ronan McCabe, executive director of the commercial agency Animation Ireland, also credits the country's producers, who "come out and knock on doors." In markets, at festivals, we are always there, very visible. "Then there is the general talent and creativity, which translates into" awards like Emmys and Baftas ... we have a great reputation, so obviously it helps to generate new shows ".

McCabe notes that film productions are a relatively weak point: he says the country produces one or two per year. Cartoon Saloon leads the pack: its three characteristics to date, the most recent of which is 2017 The winner of the bread, All received an Oscar nomination. The studio is producing two more: wolfwalkers for the new Apple TV + e streaming service My father's dragon for Netflix

In the past, the animation industry has raised concerns about the application of Section 481: inadequate guidelines on the application process and lack of distinction between animation and live-action production, to name just two. (This article published by Animation Ireland has more.) "Many of these difficulties seem to have been solved," says McCabe. "Given the current crisis and the support we are receiving from various stakeholders, it would be difficult to choose one of these things."

Crisis is the elephant in the room here. The new Screen Ireland figures refer to last year, before the coronavirus hit. The pandemic has disproportionately harmed the live action industry globally, leading some to suggest that animation producers will benefit.

McCabe doesn't see it this way: “There's a well-connected ecosystem [between live action, animation, and vfx] so if it hits someone, it affects us all.” He says he's not yet aware of an increase in the launch of animated projects. That said, "the focus here has shifted a bit, there's probably more [animation] continuous development, as well as development funding. You know, just to make sure the tube is full ... But it's too early to say it. "

Here is a breakdown of Section 481's production expenditure:

Ireland Statistics screen

(Top image: Cartoon Saloon's upcoming feature "Wolfwalkers".)



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