New initiative: Tourism Ireland unveils international programming Fund for 2024

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Tourism Ireland has unveiled details of its 2024 International Programming Ireland Fund. In its fourth year, this funding initiative aims to stimulate and support high-quality TV projects that have the potential to positively showcase the island of Ireland to an international audience. The call for applications is open to experienced independent production companies, whether domestic, international, or engaged in a co-production partnership, with a proven track record in delivering high-quality TV programming for broadcasters outside the island of Ireland.

Tourism Ireland has allocated €1,500,000 to the 2024 International Programming Ireland Fund, supporting various TV projects. The funding is distributed on a sliding scale based on projects meeting the scheme criteria, with a maximum investment of up to €200,000 available, not exceeding 50% of the global project budget.

About the Scheme 

Since its launch in 2021, Tourism Ireland’s International Programming Ireland Fund has supported nearly 40 high-quality international television projects across documentary, lifestyle, specialist factual, and factual entertainment series. These projects were broadcast on channels like Channel 4, Sky, PBS, ITV, France 3, Arte, Smithsonian, BBC, Food Network UK, and SVT in Sweden. The fund aims to attract and support new, original, innovative, and commercially viable programming showcasing the island of Ireland, particularly targeting key markets like Great Britain, the United States, and Mainland Europe. Themes include landscapes, heritage, culture, food, drink, soft adventure, people, characters, and stories. Projects highlighting Northern Ireland, regions, and seasons are particularly sought after in 2024. Funding is awarded to producers through a competitive selection process of projects.

Previously Funded Projects 

Tourism Ireland has been proud to support diverse and high-quality international TV projects since 2021. Some highlights include “Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland” (Afro-Mic Productions, Channel 5), “John Torode’s Ireland” (Cornelia Street Productions, Food Network), “Ireland with Michael” (Wexford House, PBS), and “Golf’s Greatest Holes” (No 4 Productions, Leap Productions, Boulder Creek International, Sky Sports). Ongoing projects, like the culinary travelogue “Donal’s Irish Adventure,” continue to air in multiple territories. New and exciting projects, including themes like ‘The Normans’ and ‘Titanic,’ are currently in production with support from the scheme.

New to 2024 

• In 2024, the International Programming Ireland Fund will conduct three separate funding rounds, providing applicants with improved chances to prepare their projects for the market and meet the criteria.

• Colin Pauser-Cowman, an experienced Development/Executive Producer, is overseeing this year’s application process for the International Programming Ireland Fund. He is available to offer development and eligibility feedback to companies with developed proposals intending to apply.

• If an application shows genuine potential to fulfill the scheme objectives but needs further development to meet the criteria, Tourism Ireland may offer development guidance and support. This allows perceived gaps in the project to be addressed, and the revised submission can then be resubmitted in the next funding round.

• There is now a much-reduced gap between funding rounds, particularly helpful where the project may have time-sensitive broadcaster or funder interest. 

• Priority is given to submissions with confirmed international broadcaster interest. Co-production projects with Northern Ireland or Irish broadcasters, additional state funding, or tax incentives are also welcomed. Applicants must demonstrate a clear international distribution plan tailored to fulfill the brief of at least one international broadcaster in a desired territory.

Deadlines 

Friday 9 February 2024, 3pm GMT

June – To Be Announced 

September – To Be Announced

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