And today, a new generation of talented artists and innovators are ensuring that tradition continues to thrive, as they explore the art of storytelling through an array of traditional and new methods in the creative and digital entertainment sector.
A large contingent of Irish digital entertainment companies recently participated in the renowned Mipcom (Marché International des Programmes de Communication) industry trade event in Cannes, France.
Mipcom Cannes brings together the world’s largest studios and distributors, offering Irish companies unparalleled opportunities to connect, network, and negotiate deals for new television series and digital projects.
Recognised as the world’s premier trade exhibition for TV and entertainment, over the course of the four days thousands of buyers and producers rub shoulders.
The event remains a vital gateway for Irish firms to push creative boundaries
A number of talented and pioneering Irish-owned companies this year participated, pitching their innovative IP across a range of sectors such as AR/VR, animation, gaming and live-action production.
The event remains a vital gateway for Irish firms to push creative boundaries and secure international market success.
This year, the Irish delegation included a number of well-known and established companies, such as ShinAwiL and Deadpan Pictures, while several other Irish companies who are strongly positioned as being emerging players in immersive technologies and interactive media also featured, including Carlichauns, Great Island and Turnip + Duck.
​The ‘Ireland on Screen’ stand at Mipcom was managed by Enterprise Ireland, in partnership with our colleagues from Screen Ireland and Tourism Ireland – and of course the focus of Irish participation at this prestigious industry event was to further investment and partnership in Ireland.
The ‘Ireland on Screen’ presence provided a platform for these Irish firms and ultimately served as a central hub for promoting homegrown talent and facilitating key partnerships and investment opportunities.
Enterprise Ireland remains dedicated to supporting over 100 firms in this space
The Irish creative sector is coming off a period of sustained growth, with Irish-produced series and digital content garnering attention around the globe and doing box office too.
Ireland’s entertainment and media (E&M) industry is set to grow at an annual rate of 2.9pc to 2028 with a value of €7.6bn – up from €6.6bn in 2023, according to the PwC report ‘Perspectives: Global E&M Outlook’.
Our commitment to quality production, technological innovation and storytelling excellence continues to attract major global studios and distributors.
Enterprise Ireland remains dedicated to supporting over 100 firms in this space, from early-stage exporters to established high potential start-ups.
Enterprise Ireland is proud to support these innovative companies on their journey to grow, scale and achieve their global ambition.
As well as support from the Enterprise Ireland team here and across our network of 39 international offices around the globe, an important element of this work and supporting this growth is industry collaboration with stakeholders, such as Screen Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Animation Ireland, and others.
Eileen Bell is a senior development advisor at Enterprise Ireland