Quality Irish films may become ‘thing of the past’

FILM producers have warned that the Government risks decimating the home-grown industry if it scraps tax breaks for movie-makers.

Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) issued the warning after it was revealed that Irish-made films, Veronica Guerin and Intermission, have grossed 6.5 million at the Irish box office.

Joel Schumacher’s take on the life of the crime journalist helped boost Irish cinema ticket sales by 17% in August compared to the same month last year. Both films were made in Ireland and benefited from the Section 481 tax break. It is planned to scrap Section 481 from the end of next year.