New economic analysis to be carried out into Irish TV, film and animation sector – Minister Humphreys
The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Wednesday 02 November 2016) announced that she has commissioned an economic analysis of our screen based creative industries. The study will examine the economic impact and potential of the Irish film, TV and animation sector. The commissioning of the study is committed to in the Action Plan for Jobs 2016.
Following an open tender process, Olsberg SPI Ltd in association with Nordicity, have been selected to conduct the study. A steering group led by Minister Humphreys’ Department, with representatives of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Irish Film Board and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will liaise with the successful tenderer.
Women in Film & Television Ireland welcome this greatly needed and necessary analysis, and are hugely encouraged that the Minister’s recognition of our industry’s contribution and value to the economy.
The gender split of workers in the audio visual sector has not been quantified in ten years – since IBEC last published their figures on this in 2006. Given the global focus on equity and women as a strong economic force, WFT.ie trust that this necessary analysis will be included in the report. It is crucial for the industry’s growth that we quantify, measure and interrogate the gendered split of work, across roles, pay grades and full and part time employees.
Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“The Irish audio visual sector is a growing industry with huge potential. 2016 has been a fantastic year for the film industry, with wide international acclaim for a number of Irish productions. Our animation sector has been going from strength to strength in recent years and the increasing demand for high quality TV productions also provides new opportunities.
“While we know that the audio visual sector supports thousands of jobs, I believe there is significant potential for further growth in the years ahead. It has also been a number of years since a comprehensive study of the sector was carried out. This economic analysis will consider the scale and economic contribution of the screen-based creative industries and examine its potential to expand further.
“The economic analysis will be carried out in less than six months and will then help to inform Government strategies and initiatives as we seek to enhance Ireland’s reputation as a home of creative talent.”
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Olsberg•SPI provides a range of expert consultancy and strategic advisory services to public and private sector clients, specialising in the area of film, television, video games and digital media.
Nordicity is a leading strategy, policy and economics consultancy with a focus on the creative industries and a specialisation in economic impact analysis. Nordicity has experience in research and analysis of the creative industries, and is a leader in impact assessment for the screen-based sector.
Tenders were sought on etenders (Tender date: 26th August 2016) and Olsberg SPI Ltd with Nordicity emerged as the preferred bidder under this process.
The Action Plan for Jobs 2016, which is a whole-of-Government initiative, identifies the audiovisual sector as a potential source of increased economic activity and job creation. It includes Action 301 is to commission an economic analysis of the current value of the audiovisual industry in Ireland to assess the scale, strengths and contribution of the sector in terms of economic activity and employment levels and its potential to expand further.
