BRITAIN’S iconic Pinewood Studios has announced an Irish production arm – as the nation's film production scene continues its astronomic rise.
Ireland’s increasing popularity in the film industry has no doubt prompted the studio behind the James Bond films to open a branch on Irish shores.
“We are delighted to announce this exciting new venture in Ireland,” said the studio’s Commercial Director Nick Smith. “Pinewood Productions Ireland will expand Pinewood’s global offering and enhance the services we can offer our international clients.”
The studio also cited Ireland's favourable tax laws as a major reason behind the move.
“From January 1 2015, Ireland’s tax incentive ‘Section 481’ for film and television has been enhanced, creating a new payable tax credit programme worth up to 32% of eligible Irish expenditure, based on the cost of all cast and crew working in Ireland,” the studio said in a statement.
Pinewood Studios has produced some of the most renowned films in British history – including all of the 007 films, the acclaimed Carry On film series and, more recently, the final two Harry Potter films and this year’s blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron.
