Economic opportunities from film industry

SOUTH Galway would benefit economically if it was developed as a film location, according to local representatives. Recently the area, along with parts of North Clare, has been used as the backdrop to films including Seven Songs for Amy, which is still filming at Lough Cutra, and Asterix and Obelix, which concluded in the Burren last week.
Kinvara resident and writer/producer of Seven Songs for Amy, Fiona Graham believes the area has a lot to offer film makers.
“I think this is something the area should work hard to develop because it is a massive boost to the local economy. There is fantastic light here, fantastic scenery and it is a beautiful place to film and it looks fantastic on the screen. There is good cast and crew around too. I think there are a lot of bodies being set up to help filming in Galway and I think the more that they can do the better,” Ms Graham told The Clare Champion.
Galway County Council’s Deputy Mayor, Bridie Willers believes South Galway, in particular, would lend itself to film and has a proven record as a location.
“The location must be important and of interest or film makers wouldn’t come here. They have done their homework, they have researched it and they are not coming here on spec. South Galway has an awful lot to offer.
“The location is fantastic and the workers are available too. It is of mutual benefit really. We should be encouraging film makers to come,” Deputy Mayor Willers commented.
“There are so many people out of work at the moment and getting a role as an extra is a real bonus and very welcome. Inter-county tourism or inter-county co-operation between Galway and Clare county councils could work together on this type of thing and I’m sure the community and enterprise section would be interested in promoting something like this, which would be beneficial to both sides. It is a natural link really because the terrain is very similar in lots of ways,” she continued.
“There is an added benefit too in that shops, restaurants, hotels, guest houses and taxis must get added custom. It has to be a benefit. That is something we are crying out for; for industry and anything that will give some encouragement to communities,” Councillor Willers concluded.
Member of Gort Chamber of Commerce and Galway County Council, Gerry Finnerty believes efforts should be made to attract the film industry to the area but says the primary responsibility is not with the local authority.
“I was in Kinvara a couple of weeks ago and I saw the filming of Seven Songs for Amy. There were nearly 30 people there for that scene so it is fairly clear there is a great spin-off for the town. What role the council could play is hard to say. Maybe we should be working with Fáilte Ireland to promote the area,” Councillor Finnerty commented.