TG4 and Korean broadcaster Jeonju Television (JTV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding this week to facilitate ongoing collaboration in relation to the development of content between Ireland and South Korea.
This agreement proposes to facilitate the exchange of best content and programmes; foster co-production of creative content; fund co-production projects; support marketing efforts and promote human resource development in both countries
Jeonju Television is a public service broadcaster which accesses funding from the Korean Communications Agency (KCA) for international co-production of this kind. The KCA is part of the South Korean Department of Science and Information Technology.
Representatives from JTV and the KCA were in Connemara on the 13th & 14th June. They were visiting TG4, Údarás na Gaeltachta and a number of independent production companies while in Ireland.
On June 14th a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between TG4 & JTV to officially launch this progressive, international collaboration.
A similar agreement has been in place between JTV and Welsh language broadcaster S4C for a number of years and it has resulted in a host of high quality co-productions.
Director General of TG4, Alan Esslemont says:
“This Memorandum of Understanding fits in extremely well with TG4’s strategic goal of developing the creative industries in Ireland. It is vitally important to TG4 that the independent production sector is growing and strengthening, particularly from a regional perspective.
“TG4 has a particular focus on companies that work through the medium of Irish. Many of these are based in the regions and particularly in Gaeltacht areas.
“Funding to TG4 also keeps hundreds of people employed in the independent production sector and this Memorandum of Understanding will help to secure and build on that employment.
“Another integral part of TG4’s mission is the internationalisation of the independent companies and this Memorandum of Understanding is another very positive step in that regard.
“This Memorandum of Understanding will also provide opportunities for individuals and help to develop their skillsets, as well as facilitating access to international markets for material produced here in Ireland.
“TG4 are very pleased also, that Údarás na Gaeltachta are supporting this initiative, offering advice and practical support to Gaeltacht companies who want to take part in the process.”