Ireland's Screen Boom: Record Spend, Global Acclaim

Ireland's screen industry has achieved a record production spend of €544 million in 2025, marking a significant jump amidst global industry disruptions. Irish creative talent is increasingly recognized internationally, with nominations at the Academy Awards for acting, visual effects, and animation, following major wins at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs for productions like "Hamnet."

The national agency, Screen Ireland, highlights the importance of sustained investment in skilled creators across all disciplines. This focus on talent support is crucial for maintaining the industry's high level of global competition. The industry's growth is also attributed to increased investment in Screen Ireland and enhanced tax incentives.

Ireland's primary screen industry tax incentive, Section 481, offers significant credits, with an enhanced 40% relief now available for visual effects work. This measure aims to bolster Ireland's competitiveness against countries like the UK and Canada. The industry is actively working to address capacity challenges through initiatives like the National Talent Academies.

While the industry thrives on international productions, there's a conscious effort to balance this with nurturing indigenous storytelling. This delicate ecosystem has so far proven mutually beneficial, with crews fluidly moving between large international projects and smaller domestic productions. The industry's future also involves navigating the evolving landscape of AI.

The audiovisual sector in Ireland is now valued at over €1 billion in gross value added, supporting over 15,800 jobs. The human experience and the artist remain at the core of creating work that connects with audiences, ensuring the industry's continued relevance and success.