If Galway wishes to compete with Wexford and Wicklow as a film location, it must establish a Galway film commission office - a move that would also help boost the local economy.
This is the view of Labour councillor Billy Cameron who is calling on the Galway City Council to establish such an office, especially as economic activity relating to the arts, culture, and tourism become increasingly important as a means of combating the effects of the recession.
“Great film and television drama continues to be made in Ireland year after year,” said Cllr Cameron, “but I am convinced we could be losing out due to the fact that we do not have a office under the auspices of the city council.”
Cllr Cameron points out that Galway is a “unique centre of culture and creativity” with an office of the Irish Film Board in the city, the Huston School of Film and Digital Media at NUI, Galway, Studio Solas, and the Galway Film Fleadh.
“All of this infrastructure along with the fact that we possess producers, directors, writers, cast and crews in abundance leaves me in no doubt that Galway can become a centre for film making in the west,” he said. “A multi agency film commission is pivotal and the cog in the wheel to put Galway on the map for future film making.”
Cllr Cameron said as this year marks the 21st birthday of the Galway Film Fleadh, he will be proposing a motion to the Galway City Council to immediately establish a Galway film commission.
