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Funding to enable:

• (a) Release Prints - Shorts: the creation of a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for Irish short films for the purpose of Irish theatrical distribution.
  
• (b) Release Prints - Features: the creation of a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for Irish features films for the purpose of Irish theatrical distribution.

Short Films
Print provision is available to short films that are in receipt of BSE/IFB funding and is contingent upon a commitment from a recognised distributor to release the film theatrically in Ireland.

Funding is available to cover the cost of processes entailed in creating a DCP of a film that is otherwise completed. This may include the technical costs and associated soundtrack costs, but may not include any other completion processes, clearances, fees, etc.   This funding can cover the cost of up to 20 prints of a film made under one of BSÉ/IFB's short film schemes, or up to 10 prints of a film not made under a scheme but already in receipt of Festival Prints funding.

Features Films
Print Provision funding is also available, subject to BSÉ/IFB approval on a case by case basis, to enable feature films already supported by BSÉ/IFB production funding to be released in Irish cinemas.  Funding may be provided to cover the cost of creating a DCP, but not duplication costs.

It is important to note that BSÉ/IFB now requires most films in receipt of its production funding and originated on digital material to include in their production budgets the cost of making a DCP. Where this is not the case but a DCP is required for theatrical release, BSÉ/IFB may award Print Provision funding for this purpose.

About the Funding
In principle Print Provision funding is provided on a grant basis by BSÉ/IFB and is non-repayable. In certain circumstances, for example where the amount of funding is unusually high, BSÉ/IFB reserves the right to require repayment from the producer's share of film revenues in such a way as not to disturb existing arrangements with production financiers. Third party receipt for all costs related to this funding must be provided.

Making an Application
Before making an application for Print Provision funding for feature films, you should contact BSÉ/IFB's Industry Affairs Executive, Patrick O'Neill in order to confirm the film's eligibility.

Before making an application for Print Provision funding for short films, you should contact BSÉ/IFB's Marketing & Communications Executive, Louise Ryan.

If the film is confirmed as eligible, 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:

• Logline (ca. 25 words)
• Synopsis (ca. ½ A4 page)
• DVD copy of the completed film with note of running time
• Description of the processes required to produce 35mm print(s) or a DCP
• Detailed budget with quotes from laboratory/post-production facility for the processes required, and including censorship costs if applicable
• Full cast and crew lists
• Written confirmation of qualifying invitation (Festival Prints) or of commitment to distribution in Ireland (Release Prints)

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

Following receipt of a submission, applicants will be sent an acknowledgement letter including a reference number which should be retained for use on all future correspondence.

Under current practice, applications for Print Provision funding received in Galway 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 immediately thereafter. In cases where deadlines call for a quicker decision and the funding required is less than €10,000, this timeline may be reduced to one week.

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