Organisation to promote film production in Cork

A new organisation has been launched to promote Cork as a centre for film and animation production.

Film in Cork, which will be supported by the city and county council, was launched last night at City Hall in the presence of Naoise Barry, the Irish Film Board film commissioner, and almost 100 members of the industry.

Film in Cork will provide production, location and training services to those working in film, television, and animation.

It will also serve to promote and market the Cork region locally, nationally and internationally as a wonderful place to work.

“As the Irish film industry continues to expand, Cork can seize the opportunity and be part of this growth. We welcome the establishment of Film In Cork to support the industry in the region and look forward to working with Rossa Mullin [Film in Cork manager] and his stakeholders in the south-west,” said Mr Barry.

He said the screen industry had steadily grown in importance for Cork over the last number of years, and many stunning locations had attracted major film productions such as Ken Loach’s Palme D’Or-winning The Wind That Shakes the Barley, featuring local actor Cillian Murphy and Neil Jordan’s Ondine, starring Colin Farrell.

As well as supporting production, Ms Mullen plans to create an infrastructure for Cork that will adapt to demands with regard to industry training.

Meanwhile, Cork Film Festival has announced details of an extensive partnership with RTÉ as it marks its 60th anniversary this year.

RTÉ will raise its profile in the run-up to the festival which takes place in November and is expected to attract 20,000 people.