A REPORT on the future of the film and TV industry in Limerick will be launched early next year with the aim of identifying areas for future growth of the sector in Limerick and across the Mid West.
Run by Innovate Limerick, in partnership with Film in Limerick, the report by consultancy firm Olsberg SPI will look at the Mid West’s strengths, weaknesses, constraints, and capacity gaps in key areas of production and skills, as well as opportunities for future growth.
The study includes a thorough analysis of the Mid West’s existing production industry infrastructure and resources to provide a detailed assessment of challenges in the region. It will also identify opportunities to increase current levels of production and training and to establish the Mid West as a screen production hub.
A series of roundtable events to bring together relevant stakeholders was held by Minister of State for Local Government Kieran O’Donnell at Innovate Limerick’s new Engine Collaboration Centre building at Engine on Cecil Street and involved representatives from the region’s training and education institutions, public sector stakeholders, as well as local film industry producers and crew.
Paul C Ryan, regional film manager at Film in Limerick, said: “Our vision is for the region to be a major centre for production. Not only high-end inward TV productions but also a focus on developing new local talent and companies. We are excited to be working with the team at Olsberg SPI to carry out a detailed analysis of the local industry, the results of which can be leveraged to create a sustainable growth plan for the future”.
A recent string of high-profile TV series have been shot in Limerick, such as Hidden Assets, Smother, and a new series called Blackshore, which was also shot across the Mid West.
The report, supported by Mid West Regional Skills Forum, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and the Local Enterprise Offices in Limerick, Tipperary, and Clare, will be launched early next year.
