Written by new-contact on Jan 5, 2015. Posted in Incentive News

Ireland boosts filming incentive and expands programme to star salaries

Ireland has increased its formal filming incentive from 28% to 32% and has expanded support to cover expenditure on star salaries. Production is focused in and around Dublin, with major TV shoots including historical dramas Vikings, Penny Dreadful and Ripper Street.

“Ireland has developed a strong reputation as being a superb film location in recent years,” said Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

“It was a fantastic achievement to bring Star Wars to Skellig Michael during the summer. And we have become home to some of the biggest TV shows, including The Tudors, Vikings and Penny Dreadful.

"When these shows come to Ireland, they hire local talent and crews and make a huge contribution to the local economy.”

Star Wars: The Force Awakens spent several days filming on location off the coast of County Kerry last spring. The main shoot was based at Pinewood Studios near London.

Producers filming in Ireland will also be able to apply the tax credit to star salaries for the first time, which could further boost Ireland’s Hollywood appeal.

“Our film and TV production sector is going from strength to strength, despite the economic challenges we have faced in recent years,” Minister Humphreys added: “I want to make Ireland a first-choice destination for international film makers, and improving the tax breaks available under Section 481 will be essential to achieve this.”

Ireland faces stiff competition from the UK. Game of Thrones is based in Belfast and has helped revitalise Northern Ireland’s production industry over the past five years.

(Image: History Channel)