New members of film board named

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue, has announced his appointees to Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board.

The Irish Film Board, based in Galway, provides loans and equity investment to independent Irish film-makers to assist in the development and production of Irish films. It is also responsible for promoting Ireland as a film location.

Mr James Morris, the founder of Windmill Lane Pictures and Recording Studios, who led the consortium which won the initial franchise for TV3, has been appointed chair. Also appointed are film director Kirsten Sheridan, film producers Lesley McKimm and Tristan Orpen Lynch, and the managing director of Ardmore Studios, Mr Kevin Moriarty.

Two members of the previous board, film director Alan Gilsenan and lecturer Margaret McCarthy McIntyre, have been reappointed for a second term.

"I am pleased to announce the members of the new film board and it is my hope that they will continue to develop the Irish film industry and to enrich the cultural environment of our nation," Mr O'Donoghue said when making the appointments.

The Minister added: "It is my intention to continue to support indigenous Irish filmmaking."

Mr Morris replaces accountant Mr Ossie Kilkenny as chair. Mr Kilkenny is one of five members of the previous board who have stood down, along with writer Roddy Doyle, film producers Morgan O'Sullivan and Martha O'Neill, and economic consultant Ann O'Connell.

In December, the film board received an 18 per cent increase in its annual budget to €14 million for 2005.

The appointments are effective until January 17th, 2009.