Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 37: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide details of the new Irish Film Office to be opened in Los Angeles; the location of the office; the number of permanent staff who will work from the office; when he expects same to open; the main purpose behind the opening of this office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21010/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The opening of a Los Angeles office by the Irish Film Board is formally a matter for the Board itself, and although I initially suggested this strategy, the final decision and implementation are Board matters. However, I understand from the Board that this new office will focus on the promotion of Ireland to the U.S. film industry, with the aim of attracting an increased range of U.S. feature film and television drama to locate in Ireland, bringing with it direct foreign investment.

The Office will be headed by a representative of the Irish Film Board with the title of Vice President, Irish Film Commission. This representative will meet regularly with executives within the U.S. Studio system, the independent production community, as well as the network and cable TV sector, to identify and track projects that could locate in Ireland. He/she will regularly report to the Board on current trends in the US film & TV industry. The Irish Film Board is expected to open its new office in Los Angeles in the Autumn.