Hollywood movie shoot to create 150 jobs for Ireland

Around 150 jobs will be created with the filming of a multi-million dollar Hollywood movie in Ireland, it was announced today.

'Leap Year' will start shooting before the end of March, creating work for local crew as well as hiring 1,500 extras during its five month production period.

The $16.5m (€12.7m) project was made possible after the Government increased the tax break threshold for investing in films.

Arts Minister Martin Cullen said the change will help Ireland remain competitive in the industry.

“The film and TV production industry is a fast moving and competitive global one,” Mr Cullen said.

“Ireland has now done what is essential to remain competitive in this crucial high-end inward investment industry.

“The investment pipeline for this year is promising and I believe that these adjustments to the tax investment regime will be the catalyst in securing those opportunities for Ireland.

“The film industry is the cornerstone of a smart and creative digital economy and with today’s announcement Government acknowledge its importance at this crucial time in our economic story.”

'Leap Year', starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode, who starred in the hit films 'Enchanted' and 'Watchmen' respectively, was confirmed to go into production in Ireland after improvements to the Irish tax incentive for film and television late last year.

The legislation was ratified by the European Commission this week.

Under previous rules, an individual investing up to €31,750 in an Irish film production could write off 80% against tax.

But now that increases to €50,000 with 100% relief.

The amendments have been made to restore Ireland’s competitiveness as an international film and television location.

James Morris, Irish Film Board chairman, said the tax incentive improvements will allow Ireland to compete for high-end productions at the same level as other European countries.

“This is particularly important in the present economic climate given the clear direct employment generated by the audio visual sector and the opportunity to strategically develop Ireland’s screen based industries into a long-term growth sector as part of a new generation of export earners in the future.”

The film tells the story of Adams, who plays an American woman travelling to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on February 29.

She ends up getting lost in the Irish countryside on her journey, where she meets a local inn keeper played by Goode and they both set out to find her boyfriend in Dublin.

The film will shoot in and around the Aran Islands, Connemara, Temple Bar, Georgian Dublin and Wicklow National Park.