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Funding for Irish producers to help defray the costs of a limited theatrical release in Ireland (including Northern Ireland) for feature films already in receipt of BSÉ/IFB production funding, that have been unable to secure suitable theatrical distribution by a bona fide Irish distribution company.

About the Funding

This funding scheme existed in pilot phase for 2010, but is now fully in place from 1^st March 2011.

The producer is expected to take full responsibility for the preparation of the film for the theatrical release in the Irish market, and for its physical distribution.  Meaningful consultation with the BSÉ/IFB is required through all stages of the release.  

Accordingly the following costs are eligible for Direct Distribution support:

• Costs of release prints;
• Trailer design and creation;
• Creative and production costs of key art, posters, and advertising;
• Censorship submission;
• Media space costs; and
• Marketing, publicity and promotional costs.

 

It is a key principle of this support that the marketing campaign is targeted, efficient and where applicable, utilises the expertise of key partners in the release; such as exhibitors, distribution networks, and experienced marketing and communication agencies.

Direct Distribution funding is capped at 80% of the total distribution budget, up to a maximum amount of €15,000. The funding is structured as a loan, recoverable from theatrical revenues, but not revenues derived from DVD, VOD and TV exploitation.

The BSÉ/IFB will require full approval over all incurred costs.

Criteria

A decision by BSÉ/IFB to assist the release of a qualifying film will be predicated on the following:

• A positive assessment of the producer's release plan and overall distribution budget;
• A commitment from an exhibitor to screen the film for at least one week;
• Prior exposure at an Irish Film Festival; and
• Evidence of a positive critical and/or audience reaction from a screening at an Irish or International Film Festival.

 

Who Can Apply

BSÉ/IFB Direct Distribution funding is available to production companies established in the Republic of Ireland which are planning to release a qualifying film theatrically in Ireland (including Northern Ireland).

Qualifying films for the purposes of this scheme are full-length feature films (fiction, animation or documentary) that are already in receipt of BSÉ/IFB production or completion funding.

BSÉ/IFB can contract only with companies incorporated in the Republic of Ireland.

Making an Application

Before making an application for Direct Distribution funding you should contact BSÉ/IFB's Industry Affairs Executive, Patrick O'Neill, in order to confirm that the film qualifies for funding.

If the application is deemed to be valid you must download the application form from this page, complete it in full, and send it - together with all the additional materials requested - to BSÉ/IFB's head office in Galway. (You cannot apply for BSÉ/IFB funding by fax or online). Incomplete applications will not be processed.

The additional materials that must be included are:

• Full distribution budget for Irish release;
• Theatrical Release Plan for Irish territory (to include marketing plan, media plan, poster art, film comparisons, competitor analysis, exhibitor list etc.);
• Theatrical trailer (if available);
• Evidence of attempts to secure a release from a bona fide Irish distribution company;
• Plan for further exploitation (to include DVD, VOD, TV sales etc.); and
• Rationale for requesting funding from BSÉ/IFB.

 

Applications should be delivered by post, by courier or in person to:

Schemes & Applications Co-ordinator
Bord Scannán na hÉireann / the Irish Film Board
Queensgate
23 Dock Road
Galway

Under current practice, applications for Direct Distribution submitted by the last business day of a calendar month will be considered at a decision-making round that falls no more than four weeks later. Decisions are communicated to applicants by letter thereafter.

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