Film Finance - Mazars - Ireland

Sourcing funding for film production is very difficult in the current economic climate so taking full advantage of whatever tax breaks are available is critical to the process of funding a production budget.

The Irish system for tax breaks on film production, section 481, was introduced by the Irish Government in 1987 in order to promote the Irish film industry and is longest running tax break in Europe. If film producers carry out some film and TV production in Ireland, they can produce a net production benefit by up to 28% of the Irish production cost.

The actual section 481 investment is made by individual investors who investors can achieve in and around a 20% to 24% return on their investment.

Mazars can assist foreign producers step-by-step through the process, including dealing with the Irish Film Board; obtaining investment; sourcing Irish producers; dealing with the Revenue Commissioners and engaging the necessary legal advisors.

As one of the leading practices in the area of film finance in Ireland, Mazars has developed significant experience in the operation of the Section 481. We specialise in particular in advising on animation projects.

To learn more about film finance, have a look at the related links on this page and download our guide to Irish State Aid for Film Finance, which sets out in more detail the benefits for both producers and investors. You can also download our slide presentation that sets out how producers can utilise the section 481 system in conjunction with the UK tax credit system.