Irish Film Board to be renamed as Screen Ireland

The Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys announced plans to change the name of the Irish Film Board to Screen Ireland. The move was supported by IFB Chairman Bill O'Herlihy shortly before he passed away last May.

According to the Minister, the change of name "reflects the broader remit of the agency as the promoter of the Irish film, TV and animation sector."

She said: “The Irish Film Board is our premier agency for promoting and supporting the audio visual sector. Its work extends far beyond the traditional realm of ‘film’ and encompasses the domestic and international TV sector, as well as our growing animation sector.

“The Irish audio visual sector has been going from strength to strength in recent years, and I believe there is huge capacity for growth. I want the agency tasked with expanding the sector further to have a name that easily communicates its responsibilities.

“This change is fully supported by the Irish Film Board, and indeed the former Chairman, Bill O’Herlihy, and I discussed the proposed name change just the week before he died. Bill firmly believed that the name change would help the agency to better position itself and compete internationally, and I am very pleased to be in a position to honour his wish.

“The Irish audio-visual sector is a dynamic and changing industry, with significant growth potential. We have an opportunity to capitalise on this potential, and to create a clear pathway for growth for our film, TV and animation industries."   

Dr. Annie Doona, Acting Chairperson of the Irish Film Board said: “We very much welcome Minister Humphreys’ initiative in proposing to change the name of the Irish Film Board to Screen Ireland.

"We look forward to this new phase in the development of the agency and we are grateful that Minister Humphreys has acknowledged the great potential for growth in the audio visual production sector and the expanding role of the agency within it.

"I know that our late Chairman Bill O’Herlihy would very much have appreciated what the Minister is doing and it is a fitting tribute to him.”

Any costs involved with the name change and associated re-branding will be met from the existing resources of the Irish Film Board.