26/01/2015 - In 2014, 15 animation projects approved for funding under Section 481, with a total Irish spend of €39 million

Song of The Sea by Tomm Moore

Heather Humphreys, Ireland’s Minister for Arts and Heritage has said that the recent improvements to Section 481 Film Tax Relief offer potential for further growth in the Irish animation sector in 2015. Humphreys was speaking on a visit to Kilkenny’s Cartoon Saloon, a creative facility that has secured Oscar nominations for Song of the Sea [+see also:
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Humphreys said, “Cartoon Saloon is an excellent example of the huge amount of talent that exists within the Irish animation industry. Since its foundation in 1999, Cartoon Saloon has grown into a multi-award winning animation studio, which works with the biggest names in the international industry, including Disney, the BBC and Cartoon Network. Cartoon Saloon expects to double its workforce in the year ahead, as its starts work on its new feature film, The Breadwinner. Through the Irish Film Board, which is funded by my Department, the Government provides direct financial support for the animation sector. Since 2006, the IFB has provided almost €11 million in funding for the sector; this includes €4 million on animated feature films and €7 million on animated TV content.”

“Improvements to the Film Tax Relief Scheme - Section 481 - were introduced in this year’s Budget, which will have a positive impact on the animation sector. Last year, 15 animation projects were approved for funding under Section 481, with a total Irish spend of €39 million. I am very optimistic that these figures can be surpassed in 2015,” Humphreys added.