Creative Capital Report - Irish Film Board

Develop the Industry and Build Strong Companies
2
recommended to assist in increasing the flow of these productions into Ireland. The fund
would aim to generate additional annual production to the value of €40m representing
substantial inward production funds and generating a substantial number of new jobs.
Industrial Relations
The audiovisual industry in Ireland operates in a complex industrial relations environment,
which has not been perceived as internationally-competitive in the past and has led to
negative comment from international trade press about Ireland.
Ireland’s film making talent and skilled workforce are recognised the world over and are
central to the strategy for expanding Ireland as an international centre of excellence for
content production. In the interests of the workforce and both international and Irish based
producers it will be essential for the industry to develop progressive industrial relations that
match flexibility and competitiveness with fair and transparent terms and conditions for the
Irish workforce.
In order to expedite fair, flexible, transparent and internationally competitive labour
agreements across the industry, the Steering Group recommends that the Minister for Arts,
Heritage and the Gaeltacht convene an industry wide consultation for all stakeholders to
conclude a new set of agreements as a matter of urgency.
Piracy Prevention
Piracy is as great a challenge for the audiovisual industry in Ireland as it is to the rest of the
world. Over 100,000 movies are illegally downloaded each week in Ireland according to figures
produced by INFACT, the industry body which monitors piracy. The industry needs to play a
greater role in policy formation in this area and needs to agree a coordinated approach to the
protection of content creators work.
Content creators are entitled to the same protection as the owners of any other asset.
Ireland’s failure to protect the rights of content creators is very damaging for Ireland’s
credibility as a potential intellectual property hub and for the growth of indigenous content
industries.
It is recommended that the industry establish an Industry Piracy Prevention and Policy Group
to formulate a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the issue.