08/03/2005

The Irish Film Board (IFB) and the Arts Council of Ireland have just announced that FRAMEWORKS, their animation short film scheme fund -also co-financed by Irish broadcaster RTE- has been increased by almost 18% from €216,000 to €254,700. This increase, effective from April 2005, brings Frameworks’ budget in line with Short Cuts another short film live action support scheme supported by RTE and the IFB.

Commenting this budgetary increase, IFB’s CEO Mark Woods said: 'As part of our budget bid to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, we emphasized the importance of increasing our support for this crucial animation scheme. The Irish animation industry is highly regarded on the international stage for producing innovative, independent award winning films and we are delighted to be investing in new animated talent'.

Critically-acclaimed short films part of Frameworks scheme include the Academy Award nominated Give Up Yer Aul Sins by Cathal Gaffreney (Brown Bag Films) and Escape by John Rice.
Two other animations co-financed by IFB with support from Eurimages are in the late stages of financing: Ugly Duckling produced by Magma Films, and Brendan & The Secret of Kells produced by Cartoon Saloon.