Ireland boosts film and TV tax incentives to support local talent
New tax incentives aim to elevate Irish film and TV production
The Irish government has announced a significant enhancement to its film and television tax incentives, aiming to bolster local productions that showcase Irish creative talent. As part of the 2025 budget, the Section 481 film tax incentive has been increased by 8%, now standing at 40%. This incentive is applicable to productions with a maximum global budget of €20 million ($22.1 million) and is subject to state aid approval. Further details are expected in an upcoming finance bill next week.
Expanding support for unscripted productions
In addition to the boost for scripted content, the budget also introduced a 20% tax incentive for unscripted productions. Minister for Finance Jack Chambers highlighted that these new measures are designed to strengthen domestic feature film production. The announcement also acknowledged the growing potential of the VFX industry in Ireland.
A period of international acclaim for Irish content
This announcement comes at a time when Irish screen content is receiving international recognition. Recent achievements include Ireland’s Oscar candidate “Kneecap” winning at Sundance, “Small Things Like These“ opening the Berlin International Film Festival, and five Irish films premiering at Cannes. These milestones underscore the global appeal and quality of Irish filmmaking.
Industry leaders welcome the move
Screen Ireland, the national agency for the Irish screen industry, has welcomed the government’s decision. Chair Ray Harman stated, “The uplift in the tax incentive has significant potential to expand the depth and breadth of local industry filmmaking, continuing to build creative opportunities for local talent within the sector.”
CEO Désirée Finnegan added, “In an intensely competitive global industry, the fiscal incentive together with Screen Ireland investment, is vital in supporting Irish filmmaking and storytelling on screen, led by Irish creative talent. These enhancements support the continued development of Ireland as a cultural powerhouse and a creative production partner on an international scale.”
Comparative analysis with the UK
The enhanced incentives in Ireland come in the wake of the U.K.’s new Independent Film Tax Credit, introduced in March, which is already making an impact. This comparative analysis highlights the competitive nature of the global film industry and the need for robust support mechanisms to attract and retain talent and productions.
Expanding into digital games
As the Irish screen sector continues to grow, Screen Ireland has also ventured into the digital games industry with IndieDev, a cross-border games prototype fund — the first of its kind in Ireland. This initiative aims to support the burgeoning digital games sector, providing opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
The future of Irish filmmaking
The increased tax incentives and the strategic focus on both scripted and unscripted productions, as well as digital games, position Ireland as a formidable player in the global creative industry. These measures are expected to attract more international projects, foster local talent, and enhance Ireland’s reputation as a hub for high-quality film and television production.
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