Ireland: A Premier Filmmaking Hub for Global Productions
Ireland has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for film and television production, captivating filmmakers and studios worldwide.
From its sweeping landscapes to its vibrant urban settings, the country offers a blend of visual diversity, creative talent, and robust production support that positions it as a global hub for cinematic storytelling.
The Wonder
Financial Incentives
At the heart of Ireland’s appeal lies its Section 481 Tax Credit, a government-backed initiative that offers substantial financial benefits to eligible productions. Administered by Ireland’s Department of Culture and the Revenue Commissioners, this incentive applies to feature films, TV dramas, animations, and creative documentaries.
Key highlights include:
- 32% tax credit on eligible Irish expenditure, covering all goods, services, and labour within the country.
- No annual cap on projects, encouraging productions of all sizes and scopes.
- €125 million cap per project on eligible spend, supporting even large-scale, high-budget productions.
- 90% early payment option, improving cash flow during production.
- €125,000 minimum spend, making it accessible to projects with a variety of budgets.
- Eligibility for digital games development, with support for projects up to €25 million.
The self-assessment model ensures efficiency, with the tax credit claimable against a producer company’s corporation tax liabilities or refunded as a cash rebate if the credit exceeds taxes due.
World-Class Production Capabilities
Ireland’s reputation as a global production hub extends beyond financial incentives. The country boasts:
- State-of-the-art facilities, including advanced studios, post-production services, and VFX expertise.
- Skilled crews with decades of experience working on internationally acclaimed productions.
- Creative excellence, with award-winning actors, writers, directors, and technicians bringing stories to life.
These assets are bolstered by Screen Ireland, the nation’s film development agency, which provides resources, funding, and strategic guidance to support productions at every stage.
Major Productions Highlight Ireland’s Strengths
Ireland’s ability to host large-scale projects was underscored in mid-2024 with the filming of Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2, the largest production ever undertaken in the country.
During a visit to the set, An Taoiseach Simon Harris (TD), accompanied by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin (TD) and Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
Taoiseach Simon Harris (TD) said:
"I'm delighted to see Ireland continues to be chosen as a location to film series and movies which support our economy, create jobs, showcase our creative talents and promote our country on a global stage."
This production, led by director Tim Burton and show-runners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, highlights Ireland’s capacity to host globally renowned projects while providing opportunities for local talent.
Wednesday Season 2 Announcement
Another exciting project currently underway is 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, starring Liam Neeson, which is being filmed in Limerick City.
This production not only underscores Ireland’s urban versatility but also exemplifies the country’s ability to accommodate diverse storytelling needs.
Ireland’s scenic and cultural richness continues to attract global attention. From the lush landscapes seen in Star Wars to the intricate narratives of The Banshees of Inisherin, the country serves as an ideal backdrop for a wide range of storytelling.
Ireland’s unique combination of financial incentives, skilled professionals, supportive government policies, and stunning locations makes it a compelling choice for filmmakers worldwide. With no limit on the number of projects and a flexible system designed to accommodate productions of all sizes, Ireland welcomes filmmakers to bring their creative visions to life.
Whether it’s a major streaming series like Wednesday, a feature film with global stars like Liam Neeson, or an independent creative documentary, Ireland delivers the tools, talent, and environment to make every production a success.
For those seeking a dynamic, supportive, and picturesque environment for their next film or television project, Ireland stands ready to deliver on all fronts.