Ireland's Film Sector Surges as Hollywood Shifts Production Abroad

American film and television workers are finding new work abroad as production spending in Los Angeles falls to historic lows. Ireland has emerged as a primary destination for these relocated projects, recording a record $632.7 million in production spending in 2025. This figure represents a 26 percent increase from the previous year, according to Screen Ireland, the national agency for film and television.

The shift is driven by a combination of financial incentives and operational costs. Ireland offers a 32 percent refundable tax credit on eligible expenditures, including salaries for cast and crew. The per-project cap for this credit has risen from $81 million to $145 million. Additionally, the country recently introduced a 20 percent refundable credit for unscripted content, capping out at $16.8 million per project. This makes Ireland the first European country to support dedicated unscripted content through such a scheme.

Major U.S. productions have moved to the island. Apple TV+ filmed its series 'Foundation' at Troy Studios in Limerick. Netflix shot its third season of 'Wednesday' around Dublin and Wicklow. The A24 film 'The Riders,' starring Brad Pitt, filmed across the country during the summer. Blumhouse Productions has also shot multiple movies and TV shows in the region, including the horror film 'Other Mommy' and the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios movie 'Seasons.'

Game shows, traditionally a Los Angeles staple, are also part of this migration. Rob Lowe hosts 'The Floor,' which relocated to Troy Studios for its sixth and seventh seasons. Lowe noted on his podcast that it is cheaper to bring 100 American people to Ireland than to walk across the lot at Fox. While some local industry members initially bristled at the comment, it reflects the cost pressures in the U.S. market. Last year, 45 percent of all U.S. films and scripted television shows were shot internationally, up from 33 percent in 2022.

The influx of productions has created demand for local infrastructure and talent. Troy Studios, opened nine years ago in a former Dell Computer factory in Limerick, is now one of the largest soundstage complexes in the country. Ruth Treacy, co-founder of Dublin-based production company Tailored Films, described the situation as a 'green wave.' She noted that projects often shoot the U.S. in Ireland, a practice that has proven effective for production companies.

Supporting businesses have expanded to meet this demand. Mark Maher opened Odyssey Studios in Limerick in 2017 to supply miniatures and props to major productions. The studio has worked on 'Foundation' and 'Wednesday' and operates a training academy. Animation studios in the country have also grown, with nearly 50 studios now employing about 2,500 staffers. These studios partner with major networks such as Disney, Netflix, and Nickelodeon.

Screen Ireland has invested nearly $170 million over the last five years in film, television, animation, and training. Désirée Finnegan, the agency's chief executive, stated that the organization is filmmaker driven and artist led. The agency established an office in Los Angeles in 2021 to build relationships with the U.S. entertainment industry. In a recent survey by ProdPro, Ireland was ranked as one of the top five preferred filming spots globally, behind New York, the United Kingdom, California, and Georgia.

As demand for sound stages, lenses, and post-production facilities rises, the local industry continues to adapt. The country's diverse landscapes, from the rocky island of Skellig Michael to the beaches of County Wexford, remain a draw for international filmmakers. The combination of stable tax incentives and experienced crews has solidified Ireland's position as a major hub for American production.