Irish Film Board Nabs 14% Budget Boost After Oscar Lift From ‘Room,’ ‘Brooklyn’
The Irish government has given a 14% boost to the budget of the Irish Film Board, the state-owned film and TV support agency that backed Oscar-nominated movies “Room” and “Brooklyn.”
The budget of the IFB, which also supports the growing Irish animation industry, has risen by €2 million ($2.2 million) from €14.5 million ($15.9 million) this year to €16.5 million ($18.1 million) next year. The capital budget will rise from €11.2 million ($12.3 million) to €12.7 million ($14 million). The administration budget of €3.27 million ($3.6 million) is increased to €3.77 million ($4.15 million).
Annie Doona, IFB chair, said: “The Irish government has recognized the achievement of Irish filmmakers and have demonstrated their commitment to the future of the Irish film, television and animation sectors.”
Irish films received nine Oscar nominations at the Academy Awards this year, capped by a win for actress Brie Larson in “Room,” as well as a best picture nomination for the pic’s producer Ed Guiney, a director nomination for Lenny Abrahamson, and a nomination for adapted screenplay for Emma Donoghue.
Other successes included “Brooklyn,” which was Oscar nominated for best picture, for Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, lead actress, for Saoirse Ronan, and adapted screenplay, for Nick Hornby.
Other notable Irish feature films included “Sing Street,” “Love & Friendship,” and Cannes jury prize-winner “The Lobster,” as well as animation films, such as “Song of the Sea,” Oscar-nominated in 2015.
Irish films have taken $145 million at the worldwide box office in 2015/16, with audience figures estimated in the region of 18 million admissions. Recent local hits include “The Young Offenders,” “A Date for Mad Mary,” “Older Than Ireland” and “Bobby Sands: 66 Days.”
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