Section 481 Funding

Section 481 is the tax incentive for film and television productions made in Ireland.

The tax incentive applies to Feature Films, Creative Documentaries, Television Drama and Animation.

Projects can derive a benefit, net of all fees, of up to 28% of their qualifying expenditure. The benefit is based on the cost of EU cast and crew working in Ireland and goods and services purchased in Ireland, up to a maximum value of 80% of the global budget.

There is a ceiling of €50m on qualifying expenditure per project.

The Section 481 net benefit is made available to the production on the first day of principal photography or on the financial closing of the film.

An interested foreign producer must team up with a local Irish co-producer. The Irish co-producer applies to the Irish Revenue Commissioners for a Section 481 certificate. The issuance of this certificate allows the Section 481 finance to be raised. The certificate will stipulate various conditions such as: the maximum amount of Section 481 finance which can be raised, the identity of crew, the number of trainees, etc. The Irish co-producer is responsible for compliance with all the conditions of the certificate.

The Irish producer provides the full range of production services including locations scouting, scheduling, budgeting, casting, crewing and takes full responsibility for all production services carried out in the State throughout the life-span of the production.

For further information please see:

http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/financing/Section_481/5

MEDIA Programme

What is the MEDIA Programme?
What does MEDIA offer?
Who can apply?
How do I apply?

What is the MEDIA Programme?

MEDIA is a six year programme of the European Union to strengthen the competitiveness of the European film, TV and new media industries and to increase international circulation of European audiovisual product.

The current MEDIA cycle commenced on 1 January 2007 and will run to 31 December 2013. With a budget of €755 million MEDIA Plus supports professional training (screenwriting, business and new technologies), project development (single/slate), and the distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works.

What does MEDIA offer?

Independent production and distribution companies can apply for development or distribution funding in the form of grants and interest free loans. Financial assistance is available for training providers and organisers of markets and festivals. Individuals may also benefit from subsidised places on training courses and international markets.

Who can apply?

Practitioners in the audiovisual industry such as producers of film, television, animation, new media companies, distribution and sales companies and also training bodies or film schools, promotional events or festival organisers.

How do I apply?

Deadlines for the various schemes run throughout the year. You can download guidelines and application forms from www.media-antenna.com or call MEDIA Desk Ireland (353-1-679-1856) or MEDIA Antenna Galway (353-91-770-728)