29/07/2013 - Sky Ireland has significant production investments in the country

Jeremy Darroch (photo), Chief Executive of behemoth broadcasting corporation BSkyB, will address the annual Irish audiovisual industry dinner in Dublin on September 13. The Irish film and television industry contributed more than €200 million to the Irish economy in 2012 and provides 6000 full time Irish jobs. The dinner is held annually to mark the achievements of the Irish audiovisual industry and attendees will include industry figures including actors and producers, along with Ireland’s most senior business leaders, and the members of the Institute of Directors in Ireland.

BskyB, via its Sky Ireland subsidiary is one of the important contributors to the Irish audiovisual industry, having commissioned a third series of Moone Boy, co-produced by Grand Pictures, and Moonfleet, co-produced by Element Pictures, both currently filming. Other recent Sky drama filmed on location in Ireland includes Neverland and Treasure Island produced by Parallel Films, Sinbad by Impossible Pictures Ireland and The Take by Element Pictures.

Maura Quinn, Chief Executive, Institute of Directors in Ireland, said, “We are honoured to welcome such a high calibre business figure as Jeremy Darroch to Dublin and look forward to an insightful keynote address.”

James Hickey, Chief Executive, the Irish Film Board, said, “We very much welcome the focus of the Institute of Directors on Ireland’s audiovisual sector at their evening event this year. The industry is at a crossroads but the creative talent at its core has never been stronger.”