'We can build a sustainable screen industry in Cork'

Regional supports are needed to foster developing film industry down south

Anthony Muldoon, Director of Strategic Policy at Screen Producers Ireland

In its 70th year, the Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) continues to grow in ambition and reach. It is impossible not to feel proud of the vibrant creative community it represents. Every November, the city comes alive with local, national, and international stories that remind us of the power of film to connect people, ideas, and place. 

CIFF is more than a showcase; it’s a statement of intent. But as the spotlight fades each year, one question lingers: how can we sustain a healthy film and television industry in Cork – and, more broadly, across Ireland’s regions?

That question was at the heart of a panel discussio I was lucky enough to chair at the festival this week, which brought together three brilliant panelists representing Cork’s film and television community. The energy in the room was palpable. Everyone agreed on the fundamentals: Cork has the talent, the infrastructure, scenery, and the ambition. What it lacks are the structural supports to turn creative potential into a sustainable, year-round industry.

Let’s start with the basics. Cork is the State's second largest city. It boasts a thriving arts scene, world-class universities, and a growing tech and innovation sector. The landscape around it offers extraordinary filming potential, while Cork Airport provides direct access to the UK and mainland Europe. 

In short, Cork has everything a thriving screen industry needs - except government incentives.

While Ireland’s Section 481 tax relief has helped build a world-class production ecosystem concentrated in Dublin and Wicklow, the benefits haven’t yet reached far enough south.  In 2024, Munster had 13 projects, with total eligible expenditure valued at €25.5m but Leinster had 62 projects in 2024, with a total eligible expenditure value of €402.9m. This is a significant difference. It highlights the need for a specific policy response.

The Minister for Media and Communications Patrick O'Donovan, himself a Munster representative, has expressed his view that increasing regional investment into the production sector is needed; now is the moment to make the case.

What would regional incentives achieve? In a word: growth. Targeted supports would help build local crew and infrastructure capacity, something the entire Irish industry needs as demand for skilled workers continues to rise. They would enable local talent to develop careers without being forced to relocate to Dublin or abroad. They would also attract outside productions that bring not just investment, but invaluable experience-sharing and long-term relationships.

And Cork isn’t starting from scratch. The city already has the seeds of an industry - they just need nurturing. There are established production companies producing outstanding work, from independent documentaries to internationally distributed drama. We have facilities such as West Cork Film Studios and a network of post-production and creative service providers across the region.

At this week's discussions, one of our panelists, Édaín O’Donnell, the founding director of West Cork Film Studios, shared her vision of creating a viable, sustainable screen industry in and around West Cork. The Skibbereen-based studio has already attracted world-class talent, with visiting actors and crews captivated by the natural beauty of the region. 

Beyond the creative impact, the productions bring tangible economic benefits to local communities, from accommodation and catering to trades and transport. As Edain noted, people in the area now ask, “When’s the next big production coming?” That local enthusiasm is proof of what’s possible when creative ambition meets regional opportunity.

Our audience was full of young people who want to work in the industry, and these are the people who will carry the torch in the years to come. A sustainable industry would give them a pathway forward, ensuring the next generation of Irish filmmakers can live and work where their inspiration begins.

This isn’t just about culture; it’s also about economics. Film and TV production is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Europe, creating high-value, green, and future-proof jobs. A strong regional industry spreads that benefit more evenly across the country. It drives local tourism, revitalises small towns, and helps retain creative graduates who might otherwise emigrate. The ripple effects are enormous.

So, what needs to happen next? Policy, infrastructure, and community.

Policy: Introduce enhanced regional incentives to attract productions and retain local talent.

Infrastructure: Continue developing studio space, infrastructure and logistics that support film and tv production and training partnerships between local colleges and industry.

Community: Keep celebrating and connecting at festivals and events to ensure Cork remains a creative hub where ideas and opportunities meet.

Ultimately, this is about vision. It’s time to apply that same spirit to how we think about film and television. Rather than waiting for opportunity to arrive, we can build it here.

People are always moving to Munster for its quality of life, affordability, and cultural energy. I did!

 Let’s give them a reason to stay. A sustainable industry doesn’t just make films; it makes futures. And Cork, with all its heart and history, deserves nothing less.

Anthony Muldoon, Director of Strategic Policy at Screen Producers Ireland