Netflix's 'Wednesday,' a production of significant scale, established its creative home in Ireland, marking it as the largest international project to ever film within the country's borders, according to BBC. This decision underscores a measurable shift in the landscape of global production, as major studios increasingly seek environments that offer both robust infrastructure and compelling financial advantages.
However, this growth in Ireland contrasts with trends across the Irish Sea. The UK still spends billions annually on film and television production, yet it experiences a decline in the number of projects, while Ireland's sector records significant expansion. This divergence indicates a competitive repositioning within the industry.
As Ireland continues to enhance its incentives and infrastructure, it is poised to solidify its position as a dominant hub for global film and TV production, potentially drawing even more investment away from traditional UK locations.
Ireland's Irresistible Incentives
Ireland's financial framework for film and television production offers a compelling incentive structure for international content creators. The primary screen industry tax incentive, Section 481, provides a credit of up to 32% on eligible Irish expenditure, as reported by Variety. Furthermore, productions with a minimum of €1 million ($1.2 million) in eligible visual effects (VFX) expenditure can access an enhanced 40% tax relief rate. The eligibility cap for Section 481 has also been raised to €125 million ($145.4 million), making it particularly attractive for mega-productions. Ireland's tiered and generous incentives are designed to attract a wide range of large-scale projects, from features to VFX-heavy series, positioning Ireland as a financially competitive destination. While the Republic of Ireland offers these compelling financial incentives, the broader region, including Northern Ireland, boasts world-class facilities that support large-scale productions, contributing to the overall appeal of the island as a filming destination.
1. Belfast's Titanic Studios
Best for: Large-scale features and high-end television series requiring extensive studio space and technical support.
Considered 'excellent facilities' by industry professionals, BBC reports, Belfast's Titanic Studios provides substantial sound stages and ancillary space, making it a key location for ambitious projects. Titanic Studios' history of hosting major productions demonstrates its capacity for complex shoots.
Strengths: Large studio footprint | High-quality technical infrastructure | Experienced local crew | Limitations: Located in Northern Ireland, part of the UK, meaning specific Republic of Ireland tax incentives do not directly apply | Availability can be competitive | Price: Varies significantly by project scope and duration
2. Belfast's Harbour Studios
Best for: Productions seeking modern, purpose-built facilities with adaptable stages and proximity to urban amenities.
Alongside Titanic Studios, Belfast's Harbour Studios also garners praise for its 'excellent facilities' from industry professionals, according to BBC. These studios offer contemporary stages and support services designed to meet current production demands, enhancing Northern Ireland's appeal within the broader regional industry.
Strengths: Modern construction | Flexible stage configurations | Close to city center resources | Limitations: Also in Northern Ireland, not directly benefiting from Republic of Ireland's Section 481 | Newer compared to some established studios | Price: Project-dependent, requiring direct inquiry
The UK's Shifting Landscape
| Metric | Ireland (2025) | UK (Last Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Production Spend | €544 million ($632.7 million) (Variety) | £1.2 billion in final quarter (The Guardian) |
| Number of Productions | Record growth | 231 films/high-end TV, 25% fewer than 2019 (The Guardian) |
| Economic Contribution | Over €1 billion annually, supports ~10,000 full-time jobs (BBC) | Significant, but declining production volume |
While the UK recorded a substantial £1.2 billion in film and high-end TV spending in the final quarter of 2023 of last year, according to The Guardian, the number of productions fell to 231, a quarter fewer than in 2019. This contrasts sharply with Ireland's production spend hitting a record €544 million ($632.7 million) in in 2025, according to Variety, indicating significant growth. This divergence suggests that companies considering international production hubs are increasingly prioritizing comprehensive incentive packages like Ireland's 32% tax credit and enhanced VFX relief over established industry presence, suggesting a measurable risk for nations relying solely on historical infrastructure.
Beyond Tax: Infrastructure and Talent
Ireland's appeal extends beyond financial incentives to a robust ecosystem of infrastructure and talent development. Screen Ireland logged more than 6,500 skills placements across the sector in 2023, according to Variety. Screen Ireland's proactive investment in workforce development ensures a skilled crew base is available to support the influx of large-scale international projects. Ireland's commitment to developing its workforce and providing practical location support solidifies its position as a comprehensive and attractive production hub, capable of hosting major international series.
The UK's continued decline in production numbers, despite billions in quarterly spending, indicates that its current approach is failing to compete with Ireland's aggressive tax incentives and robust skills development, positioning it to lose further market share in high-value international projects. By Q4 2026, the competitive landscape suggests UK studios may face increased pressure to adapt their incentive structures to retain major international productions like Netflix's 'Wednesday,' or risk further market erosion.
What are the best film studios in Ireland?
While the article highlights the overall strength of Ireland's incentives, specific top studios in the Republic of Ireland include Ardmore Studios and Troy Studios. Ardmore, located in County Wicklow, has hosted numerous international productions for decades, offering extensive sound stages. Troy Studios in Limerick provides one of Europe's largest purpose-built film and television studio complexes.
Which UK production studios are most in-demand?
UK production studios like Pinewood Studios and Shepperton Studios in England, along with Belfast's Titanic Studios and Harbour Studios in Northern Ireland, are generally considered highly in-demand due to their extensive facilities and historical significance. These studios regularly host major film and high-end television projects, benefiting from decades of industry presence and technical expertise.
How much does it cost to rent a film studio in the UK?
The cost to rent a film studio in the UK varies significantly based on factors such as studio size, location, duration of rental, and specific technical requirements. Daily rates can range from a few thousand pounds for smaller stages to tens of thousands for large, multi-stage complexes with extensive facilities. Productions often negotiate package deals for longer-term bookings or multiple stages.
