Comments from Joe Comerford to contribute to the debate on the future of the IFB's low/micro-budget initiatives.

Is the making of film as an art form now excluded?

The acceptance of the following will answer that question and determine if we are to have diversity or continue the present Film Board policy of commercial fundamentalism.

• That a panel of all those involved in the decision-making process be publicly known.

• That there be an appeal system (contrary to a BSÉ report).

• That it not be necessary to form a company to make a micro budget film.

• That copyright remain with the filmmaker on low and micro budget productions.

• That a flexible low budget union structure be maintained.

• That sales agents, distributors, I.B.E.C, Bond companies, script editors, and the imposition of a producer without consultation, be excluded from low and micro budget productions.

• That submission formats be flexible.

• That completion times be agreed rather than imposed.

• That the authority of the director as filmmaker be re-asserted.

Joe Comerford

This article was printed in Film Ireland 103 (Mar/Apr 2005)