20/02/2013 - Jimmy Deenihan visits Lenny Abrahamson’s Frank set and lauds Section 481

Irish Minister for Arts and Heritage Jimmy Deenihan has welcomed the extension of and enhancements to the Irish tax incentive for film and television, Section 481, published this week in the Irish Finance Bill, by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan. The Bill confirms the extension of Section 481 to 2020 and will increase the current value of Section 481 to 32% of qualifying expenditure from 2015, from its current value of 28%.

Deenihan dropped in on the sets of Lenny Abrahamson’s Frank, starring Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Domhnall Gleeson, currently filming in Dublin. Deenihan said, “The commitment to Section 481 highlights the support of the Government for the film and television industry in Ireland. Supported by the Irish Film Board (IFB) and Section 481, Frank is an example of the excellent work the Irish film industry is producing and I was delighted to meet the cast and crew on set today. Frank will spend close to €5 million on the Irish economy on jobs and local services and will go on to promote Ireland and Irish talent around the world.”

IFB CEO James Hickey said, “The enhancements to Irish tax incentive, Section 481, together with a modern film studio infrastructure, experienced local producers, award-winning cast and crew and beautiful film locations, makes Ireland a competitive base for international film and television.”

Frank is an Element Pictures and Runaway Fridge production with financing by Film4, the IFB and the BFI. Protagonist Pictures are handling international sales.

Photo: Minister Jimmy Deenihan with actors Michael Fassbender and Maggie Gyllenhaal on the set of Frank.