Film industry the star turn of an economic drama

LAST year was a record year for the film and television industry here, as it contributed almost €171 million to the exchequer.

The Audiovisual Federation, the IBEC group that represents the feature film, television and animation sectors, said the industry provided 1,695 full-time jobs last year.

At the launch of its 2011 review of film and television production in Ireland, the federation said that 261 productions were completed here last year, with a total production value of €387.9m — an increase of €144.6m on 2009 and almost €21m more than expected.