1916 Projects Feature Strongly in Latest Sound & Vision Funding Round
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today (15th June) announced details of the latest package of recommendations under the Sound & Vision Scheme to have been ratified by the Authority at its most recent meeting. Following an assessment process, funding amounting to €5.109m has been allocated to 123 projects. Of this, €4.386m has been allocated to 24 TV projects, while 99 radio projects will benefit to the value of €723,000.
While this is the 23rd iteration of the Sound & Vision Scheme, it is the first round of funding allocations awarded under the revised Sound & Vision 3 Scheme, which came into operation earlier this year. This was an ‘open round’ where applications were not limited to any specific genre or format. In all, 310 applications seeking €29.5m and covering 25 different genre/format categories were received by the closing date of March 5th, the highest for any round to date.
With regard to the funding allocated, documentary was the most supported format in radio, while drama was the most supported in television. In anticipation of the centenary of the 1916 rising, a number of applications, particularly dramas linked to 1916, were received. Three television drama series focused on the 1916 rising have been allocated substantial funding, one each for transmission on RTÉ 1, TG4 and TV3.
• The RTÉ 1 project is ‘Generation’, a five part series focused on the three weeks around the rising, but which will also put these events into a global context.
• The TG4 project is a ‘Súil Eile’ take on the rising. ‘Wrecking the Rising’ follows three accidental time travellers whose presence in Dublin threatens to change the course of history.
• ‘Trial of the Century’ on TV3 will explore what would have happened if the leaders of the rising had actually been put on trial. .
Speaking about the announcement, Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the BAI said: “Once again the amount of funding sought in this round has far exceeded the funding available. While there was an indicative allocation of €4.75m under this round, the BAI was pleased to be able to find an additional €395,000 through careful management of the Broadcast Fund.”
“The contribution the Fund is making to television and radio schedules in Ireland is evident on a weekly basis across all the broadcasting sectors. Without licence fee funding, through Sound & Vision, landmark projects such as ‘Charlie’ or ‘Red Rock’ would not have been possible. Equally, Sound & Vision funding has been instrumental in developing high quality radio drama on community and commercial radio stations across the country.
“The BAI is particularly pleased to have been able to support a number of projects associated with the 1916 rising and we look forward to seeing these on our screens next year as the country marks the 100th anniversary of this major historical event.”
The BAI will now commence contract negotiations with all successful applications. A full list of the projects being offered funding is available here.
The above content is a press release from the BAI