Limerick in spotlight for future TV and film opportunities
MAKING Limerick a “hub of production” for TV and films is the priority, as a series of roundtable discussions have taken place to make this happen.
Innovate Limerick, through Film in Limerick, have had a series of roundtable events to gather feedback for a report on developing the Mid-West film and TV sector.
This sector in the region has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, with several returnable TV series including Hidden Assets, Smother and the upcoming Blackshore series being produced here in the Mid-West.
Paul C. Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick, said: “Our vision is for the region to be a major centre for production. Not only high-end, inward TV productions but also a focus on developing new local talent and companies.”
Innovate Limerick has now commissioned leading Film/TV consultancy firm, Olsberg SPI, to undertake an in-depth analysis of the Mid-West’s current film production capacity.
The report will include a thorough analysis of the Mid-West’s existing production industry infrastructure and resources to provide a detailed assessment of challenges in the region.
It will also identify opportunities to increase current levels of production and training, and to establish the Mid-West as a screen production hub.
A series of roundtable events was led by Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell.
The events took place at Innovate Limerick's new Engine Collaboration Centre building at Engine on Cecil Street, and involved representatives from the region's training and education institutions, public sector stakeholders, as well as local film industry producers.
The report, made possible by support from Mid-West Regional Skills Forum, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and the Local Enterprise Offices in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare, will be launched early next year.