Women in Film and TV Podcast

This important discussion, which took place online in December 2024, was centred on the findings of the report by Dr. Susan Liddy and Dr. Fergal Rhatigan, commissioned by Women in Film and Television Ireland and funded by the Screen Ireland Stakeholders Funding Scheme. The research sheds light on the experiences of industry professionals, highlighting the challenges faced and the urgent need for change. The podcast features insights from: Dr. Susan Liddy & Dr. Fergal Rhatigan (Researchers) Producer Fiona Kinsella, Director Hannah Quinn & Actor/Writer Jade Jordan (WFT Ireland Board Members) Filmmaker Maríssa Aroy, webinar moderator (WFT Ireland Member) This podcast offers an in-depth exploration of ‘harmful behaviours' in the film and television industry, and sparks a critical conversation about how we can foster safer, more inclusive workplaces in this sector. https://wft.ie/

WFT Ireland is back with an episode from a series of in-depth conversations with international changemakers. In this oral history collection, we speak with a range of women who have shaped WIFTI and the media landscape over the last few decades. WFT Ireland Chair and WIFT International President, Dr. Susan Liddy, is in conversation with Kate Kinninmont MBE– former CEO of WFTV UK, and member of the WIFTI Advisory Board. Kate's career as a producer and director with the BBC was followed by over a decade at the helm of WFTV UK. In this podcast episode, she reflects on her long and varied career as an industry practitioner and a respected advocate for gender equality. She talks us through her tenure as CEO of WFTUK and the changes she orchestrated and witnessed over a decade. Special thanks to our international colleagues at WIFTI for their unwavering support. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. To learn more about the work being done at WFT Ireland and to become a member, visit WFT.ie.

June is pride month and to honour the LGBTQ+ community, we sat down with film and television editor, Theo Lindberg, vice-president of WIFT+ Sweden and founder of WIFT Trans. Theo discusses his work in the film industry and his journey in becoming a trans male. https://wft.ie/

This February Netflix, supported by WFT Ireland and Screen Ireland, hosted an exclusive screening of five short films produced via The Netflix Documentary Talent Fund. The event took place at The Stella Cinema Rathmines and featured a Q&A with WFT members and filmmakers Anna Rodgers and Zlata Filipovic, whose emotional documentary Two Mothers was a recipient of the scheme. Two Mothers is an incredibly emotional story about maternal struggles, the impact of war, as well as how friendship can transcend borders. The fund was created in 2020 to break down barriers of access for emerging filmmakers. The initiative provides filmmakers with a foundation of knowledge as well as hands on training in all aspects of the industry to allow them to grow their careers. https://wft.ie/

This February at Berlinale, our sister chapter WIFT Germany held a powerful series of talks titled "Between Escapism, Activism and Documentation – Filmmaking in Trembling Times". These examined the world today, where there seem to be new crises emerging daily – war, climate change, flight and displacement, and the resurgence of the far-right. All too often, women are the ones who suffer the most. In this podcast, WFT Ireland Member Gemma Creagh speaks with WIFT Germany Board Member and actor Mara Luka who talks about their vast chapter, the film industry in Germany, and WIFT's close ties to the Berlinale Festival. Then in a live recording from the event, outgoing Berlinale Executive Director Mariëtte Rissenbeek talks about WIFT's relationship to the festival while Producer Zhang Fan from Bridging the Dragon discusses the film landscape in China. This recording and podcast was made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán, WIFT Germany and Berlinale. Keep an eye out for part two, where we'll hear from our chair and WFT International President Dr Susan Liddy, from Ukrainian Filmmaker Julia Sinkevych and about an important study about Gender-Based Violence on German Television. https://wft.ie/ https://wiftg.de/ https://www.berlinale.de/en/home.html

Last December marked another excellent event for our annual Changemakers Series. In the wonderful venue of Windmill Lane, WFT Chair and President of WIFT International, Dr. Susan Liddy spoke with writer and producer Sally Abbott. Sally shared her experiences, challenges, and goals with our members, as well as the insights she's learned during her impressive career working across the UK's top shows. Supported by Coimisiún na Meán and hosted by Windmill Lane, the WFT Changemakers Series gives continuity and profile to women who have been instrumental in working towards the visibility of other women, supporting women filmmakers, and advocating for cultural change and equal opportunities, both nationally and internationally.

In the fourth installment of our Cannes Conversation Series, we look at the importance of sustainability. The future of the screen industry depends on consciously changing how we approach filming as well as telling stories that look at the world in a new way. At the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, Gemma Creagh caught up with Ecoprod's Alissa Aubenque, a producer and Green Film Production Expert about changes in production that can be made that make a real difference. Following this, in a conversation that was recorded last week, filmmaker and WFT member Maeve Stone walks with producer and activist Helene Granqvist about the ins and outs of developing sustainable narratives and the intersectionality of activism and art. This podcast has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund. https://wft.ie/

In this WFT Ireland Podcast, Project Manager Gemma Creagh spoke with one of our talented members, Actor and AD Rachel Morgan. Rachel wore multiple hats on top titles such as Disenchanted and The Pope's Exorcist, and you might recognise her from her role on RTE's The Gone, which is returning soon for a second Series. In this discussion, we spoke with Rachel about her experience in the industry on both sides of the camera and what it's like working on sets big and small. Listen back here. This event has been made possible by the Screen Ireland Stakeholders fund. https://wft.ie

In the third of our Cannes Conversation Series, we look at working on long-form projects from a different viewpoint. At the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, Gemma Creagh caught up with anthropologist Rikke Flodin, a Senior Consultant working across AI in film audiences. Could this be a new way of developing your next film? Following this, recorded at a live webinar, WFT Board Member and DOP Jaro Waldeck was in conversation with Film Still Photographer Chiabella James (Dreamgirls, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) discussing everything from career to composition. This podcast has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund. https://wft.ie/

In this episode of the WFT Ireland Podcast Board Member and Producer Fiona Kinsella chats with two of our members who have produced feature films screening at this year's Dublin International Film Festival. Ruth Carther's Twig and Sinéad O'Riordan's Swing Bout will both be premiering at the festival. This podcast was made possible by Coimisiún na Meán. https://diff.ie/ https://wft.ie/

With the Dublin International Film Festival just a few days away, here at WFT, we are excited to celebrate all our members whose work has been selected as part of the festival! Listen back for a special WFT Ireland panel discussion where WFT Board Member Fiona Kinsella will sit down with some of the talented voices behind this year's selection for the DIFF Shorts Programme: Alba Fernandez, DOP: Callus – Screen Ireland Shorts Programme 2 Naomi Sheridan, Writer/Director: Kiki – Virgin Media Discovers Shorts Programme Martina McGlynn, Director: Wrecker – Screen Ireland Shorts Programme 1 Natalie Britton, Actor/Producer: Two For The Road – Screen Ireland Shorts Programme 2 Hannah Mamalis, Writer/Director/Star: Baby Steps – Dublin On Screen 1 https://diff.ie/ https://wft.ie/

Listen back to this recording of a very special panel, Producing From Beyond the Pale, brought to you by WFT Ireland and Wexford Screen Writers Academy. This talk, moderated by Fiona Kinsella features Jess Drumm, David McLoughlin, Jac Kerrin, Colman Farrell, Mark Maher and Tom Dowling as they discuss the scope of the industry at large as well as the opportunities when it comes to production across the regions. Following on from the success of last year's Producing From Beyond the Pale panel, WFT Ireland and Wexford Screen Writers Academy have come together once more to host the second iteration of the event. Wexford Screen Writers' Academy is a Bodecii Film, Screen Wexford and Wexford County Council initiative funded by Creative Ireland and Screen Ireland. Producing from Beyond the Pale is a WFT Ireland event funded by Screen Stakeholders and Coimisiún na Meán. The event was held in Wexford Arts Centre and streamed online supported by the National Youth Film and Animation Network.

At Catalyst International Film Festival in 2022, WFT held a very special panel discussion where Parents and Carers lobbied for a more family friendly professional landscape. This was an interactive discussion where Raising Films Ireland, the support and advocacy group for parents and carers working in the Irish screen industries, teased out what can be done to create a fairer and more inclusive industry. This panel was moderated by WFT Chair Dr. Susan Liddy and featured Grainne Bennett, Lesley Conroy and Ailish Bracken . This talk has been made possible with the generous support of the BAI. https://wft.ie/ https://catalystinternationalfilmfestival.com/

In this WFT Ireland's Podcast, Board Member and Producer Fiona Kinsella chats with Madison Eastwood, John O'Sullivan and Lorcan Murphy on the A to Z of Insuring your Film. These experts from WFT sponsors Media Insurance and discuss the nuances of media insurance, offering crucial insights on coverage essentials and risk mitigation and help on understanding the complex paperwork involved.

In this inaugural episode from a series of in-depth conversations with international changemakers, WFT Ireland Chair and WIFT International President Dr. Susan Liddy delves into an insightful discussion with Terry Lawler – former Executive Director of WFT New York and a member of the current WIFTI Advisory Board. Through this series, we aim to speak with a range of women who have shaped WIFTI and the media landscape over the last few decades. With over two decades at the helm of the New York chapter, Terry's leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this podcast episode, Susan and Terry explore many questions. What does it take to navigate the complexities of running one of the largest chapters in one of the biggest cities of a global organisation like WIFTI? What transformations has she witnessed during her dynamic tenure? A special nod of appreciation goes out to our international colleagues at WIFTI for their unwavering support. This podcast has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholders Fund. To learn more about the work being done at WFT Ireland and to explore the possibility of becoming a member, visit https://wft.ie/

In the second of the Cannes Conversation Series, we look at script development and how the story gets from the page to the screen. This has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund. At Cannes Film Festival last year, WFT Chair Dr. Susan Liddy caught up with producer Annemiek van der Hell at the Writers' Lab networking event. The Writers' Lab is a wonderful initiative created by Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon to support female screenwriters over 40. Susan talks with Annemiek about the development of her feature Breakwater, a co-production between The Netherlands, Ireland, and Belgium. Following this, recorded at a live webinar, Scripteditor Gaia Meucci-Astley talks about her career, the industry, and how she works with writers to get their scripts to the best version possible. Utilising her unique background as a film programmer, Gaia shares her tips and tricks in working with your story and characters, to unlock the magic of storytelling. You can contact Gaia about working on your project at https://www.gaiascripteditor.com/ https://wft.ie

Ahead of the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival WFT Member Margaret Kane-Rowe, hosts a wonderful panel bringing together the creative and talented women whose work is screening at the festival. Rebecca Hickey (The Performance Review), Aisha Bolaji (The End of the World Tour), Alexandra Eftos (Good Fortune), and Croí Burrowes (Kiss Kiss Fang Fang) will be talking about their funny films and careers to date. This webinar is funded by the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Funding. https://www.dublininternationalcomedyfilmfest.com/ https://wft.ie/

In this very special WFT Ireland podcast WFT Member and composer Emer Landers talks with fellow composer, the inspiring Eímear Noone about her wonderful new documentary score for SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS. Discussing everything music-related, from the taste to the technical, these two talented women reveal real insight into the art form. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland's Stakeholder fund. SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS - In Cinemas Now https://wft.ie/

Listen back to this very special masterclass in lighting with WFT Vice-Chair and Board Member Jaro Waldeck, as she's in conversation with RTÉ Lighting Director Aoife Brown. In this focused discussion, they give critical and technical insight into all things lighting and cinematography and cover the art of visual storytelling in multicamera TV. This podcast has been released with the support of Screen Ireland's Stakeholder Fund. https://wft.ie/ About Aoife Brown Aoife has over 25 years in television production operations at RTÉ. For the past number of years the majority of her work has been as Lighting Director on ‘Fair City', Ireland's longest running drama serial. In 2018, Fair City began shooting in HD. As Lighting Director, she was involved in the technical planning of the project. Her responsibility was also to ensure that all set lighting met the requirements for HD filming and designed set lighting for a new diner set. In 2014, Aoife was the Lighting Director for RTĖ's first full HD studio production which was studio coverage and analysis of the FIFA World Cup.

In 2017, Women in Film and Television Ireland hosted a DOP Masterclass at Brooks Hotel. This live event featured insight into the craft of cinematography from two leading DOPs, Kate McCullough (The Farthest, The Queen of Ireland, His & Hers) and Frida Wendel (Striking Out, Ego). McCullough has recently been listed in Screen International's “Stars of Tomorrow 2020”. She received the Golden Frog for Best Cinematography on a Docudrama ‘I Dolours' at Camerimage 2018. In the same year she was nominated for an Emmy for her work on ‘The Farthest'. The Hollywood Reporter listed McCullough as top 10 to watch in Irish Film Industry 2017. More recently she was nominated for the IMAGO award 2019 for her work on ‘The Farthest'. Upon completing her studies at The National Film School, Lodz, Poland, McCullough shot the Irish box office hit ‘His and Hers'. This film went on to win the ‘World Cinematography Award in Documentary', Sundance 2010. McCullough is a member of the Irish Society of Cinematographers and Illuminatrix. Frida Wendel is a Swedish DOP who has a background in still photography and studied cinematography at Dramatiska Instituet between 2004 and 2008. She has since then made a number of popular commercials and promos for companies such as IKEA, Vero Moda and Burger King. She puts a lot of effort on visual storytelling and she is known for her work on EGO (2014), Akta manniskor (2014), Glada halsningar fran Missangertrask (2015) and more recently in Ireland on Blinder Films Striking Out, starring Amy Huberman and Neil Morrissey and directed by Lisa James Larsson for RTE. She is currently shooting Series Two. She is a member of The Swedish Society of Cinematographers FSF. This masterclass was chaired by award-winning cinematographer Michael Lavelle (Cardboard Gangsters, Can't Cope, Won't Cope, Patrick's Day).

In this very special WFT Podcast, listen back as two award-winning documentary filmmakers dive into their craft. WFT Board Member and Filmmaker Marissa Aroy was in conversation with Documentary Filmmaker Nina Menkes talking about gender and the unwavering male gaze in filmmaking ahead of Nina's newest documentary film Brainwashed Sex-Camera-Power. This film is screening tonight at the Kerry International Film Festival, catch it now the big screen. This webinar has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. Brainwashed Sex-Camera-Power has been honoured with screenings at major international film festivals including Sundance, the Berlinale, CPH:DOX, BFI-London, IDFA, Ambulante, Frameline, Karlovy Vary and the Viennale, among many others, was named on multiple BEST OF 2022 Lists including Film Comment, IMDB, Roger Ebert, Screen Slate and The Association of Women Film Journalists who also cited the film as an “Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in the FIlm Industry.” https://wft.ie/

Listen to this very special podcast where WFT Members Director Lisa Mulcahy and Producer Ruth Carter discuss their collaboration on their film Lies We Tell hosted by WFT Board Member and fellow producer Fiona Kinsella. Lies We Tell is in Irish cinemas from the 13th of October. This webinar has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. In an isolated manor, an orphaned heiress must fight her guardian for her inheritance— and her life.  Lies We Tell  is a contained psychological thriller about a gaslit girl's break for freedom. Stripped-down, gritty, and all-too-contemporary: this is not a frocks-and-bonnets period picture but a taut, propulsive, fight to the death. Directed by Lisa Mulcahy, starring the great granddaughter of Seán O'Casey, Agnes O'Casey (Ridley Road), David Wilmot (The Wonder), Holly Sturton (Smother) and Chris Walley (Young Offenders). If you would like to support Women in film and TV Ireland, join us at WFT.ie or visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wftireland

On 20th July, WFT Ireland hosted a very special event Greater Later: Building Sustainable Careers supported by Screen Ireland. This series of talks celebrated the remarkable achievements of women in the industry who have found success, often later in their careers. WFT was honoured to have internationally esteemed conductor and composer Eímear Noone join us in conversation with WFT Vice Chair Jaro Waldeck. Known for her award-winning work on video game music, Eímear has conducted all over the world, working with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, Orchestre National de Bretagne, the Sydney Symphony, the Danish National Symphony Orchestra – and famously at the Oscars. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland/ https://wft.ie/

On 20th July, WFT Ireland hosted a very special event Greater Later: Building Sustainable Careers supported by Screen Ireland. This series of talks celebrated the remarkable achievements of women in the industry who have found success, often later in their careers. Our Fixing it in Post: Panel Discussion focused on the world of Post & VFX, featuring WFT Sponsor Windmill Lane's Head of Production, Deborah Doherty, and Piranha Bar Executive Producer Nicky Gogan, and was hosted by WFT Project Manager Gemma Creagh. Nicky and Deborah gave insight into the unique and collaborative world of Post and Animation as well as the opportunities available for women returning to the workplace. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland/ https://wft.ie/

This WFT Ireland podcast is brought to you by writer and actor Aoife Nic Ardghail and producer Ciara Gillen. In this episode, Ciara sat down with Emmy-nominated Foley Artist Caoimhe Doyle and Foley Mixer Jean McGrath. They spoke about their seventeen years of collaborating as Ireland's only female foley artist and mixer team. The interview was recorded in Ardmore Sound. To support the work we do, join Women in Film and TV Ireland at WFT.ie or you can donate the cost of a cup of coffee here. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland/ https://wft.ie/

This inaugural episode of the Cannes Conversation Series puts the focus firmly on producers and has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund. At the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, WFT Chair Dr. Susan Liddy caught up with Ireland's representative Kathryn Kennedy. Kathryn is a multi-award winning creative Irish Producer and Screenwriter. Kathryn founded Kennedy Films in 2012, which she runs together with producer/director partner Frankie Fenton. Kennedy Films produced Simon Fitzmaurice's award-winning feature debut My Name is Emily, Frankie Fenton's documentaries It's Not Yet Dark, narrated by Colin Farrell, and Atomic Hope: Inside the Pro-Nuclear Movement. She is currently developing/financing fiction and doc series, and features. To gain a deeper understanding of the scheme, as well as the opportunities available for producers through Screen Ireland, WFT Board Member and producer Fiona Kinsella spoke with Screen Ireland's Head of Marketing & Communications Louise Ryan. Each year, twenty of the most dynamic emerging producers from across Europe are selected to take part in European Film Promotion's (EFP) promotion and networking platform PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE, that runs before and during the Festival de Cannes. The producers take part in a tailor-made programme to foster international co-productions, intensify the exchange of experiences and help create new professional networks. The pre-festival online programme includes 1:1 speed meetings, roundtables and pitching sessions. The producers will then meet during the Festival. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland/ https://wft.ie/

Where are we as an industry when it comes to addressing toxic behaviours? WFT Project Manager Gemma Creagh discussed the vital theme of workplace dignity with WGI Chair Jennifer Davidson, researchers Olwen Dawe, Dr. Fergal Rhatigan as well as WFT Chair and incoming president of WFT International Dr. Susan Liddy. Ahead of the deadline for our WFT Ireland survey, we looked into the prevalence of harmful behaviors in the Irish screen industries, such as bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, humiliation, victimization, assault, and sexual assault. Our panelists spoke about this ongoing research, supported by Screen Ireland, aimed at understanding and combatting these issues as well as the Safe to Create reporting tool and survey, which aims to empower individuals to address harassment. This panel discussion is supported by Coimisiún na Meán. Complete our Survey on Dignity in the Workplace before the 20th of September. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFT_Ireland_Dignity_at_Work_Survey_2023 https://www.safetocreate.ie/ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland/ https://wft.ie/

Greater Later: Building Sustainable Careers Panel Podcast On 20th July, WFT Ireland hosted a very special event Greater Later: Building Sustainable Careers supported by Screen Ireland. This series of talks celebrated the remarkable achievements of women in the industry who have found success, often later in their careers. The day began with a lively and honest panel discussion featuring three exceptionally talented women: Audrey O'Reilly, Patricia Kelly, and Geraldine McAlinden. They shared their experiences and insights, showcasing careers fueled by perseverance and accomplishments. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland/ https://wft.ie/

On 20th July, WFT Ireland hosted a very special event Greater Later: Building Sustainable Careers supported by Screen Ireland. This series of talks celebrated the remarkable achievements of women in the industry who have found success, often later in their careers. We delved into a case study of the film Sunlight, with Director Claire Dix and writer Ailbhe Keogan. Equal part funny and honest, this discussion saw us delve into the creative process behind this thought-provoking film, as well as the challenges and triumphs they faced in bringing their vision to the screen. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland/ https://wft.ie/

This year with the support of Coimisiún na Meán, WFT recorded a special podcast live from the House Hotel in Galway. We spoke with two documentary filmmakers about their powerful and timely projects which screened at the festival: Ó Bhéal is directed by Ciara Nic Chormaic and produced by Mind The Gap Films. Croíthe Radacacha is directed by Ciara Hyland and produced by her company Wonder Pics. We spoke with Alan Esslemont, Director General of TG4, about our new partnership as well as celebrating these two wonderful documentaries that TG4 supported. We also caught up with Dr Mary McAuliffe about her wonderful contributions and insights into Radical Hearts as well as Ó Bhéal Producer Jennifer Healy. This event was made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. To support the work we do, make sure your membership is up to date at WFT.ie or you can buy us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland

When it comes to keeping an audience on the edge of their seat, the precision of the edit is everything. In this WFT Podcast acclaimed New York-based editor Julia Bloch spoke with WFT Ireland member Amy O'Connell about their craft, Bloch's career, and on cutting thrillers and drama that make a mark on the film industry. Julia Bloch: Julia is a New York-based film editor who has worked on a wide range of projects, including Terrence Malick's Palme d'Or winner The Tree of Life and Doug Liman's war drama The Wall. Films she has edited have premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, TIFF, The Venice Biennale, The Berlinale, and Cannes; her work on “The Mosquito Coast” recently aired on Apple TV+. She also edited three films for director Jeremy Saulnier, starting with Blue Ruin, which premiered at the Cannes Directors' Fortnight and was awarded the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) prize in 2013. Before studying Film at the European Film College in Ebeltoft, Denmark, Bloch received her B.A. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University and a Master's degree in Literature at the Université de Haute Bretagne in Rennes, France. In 2011 Bloch received the Sundance Institute's inaugural Editing Fellowship in honor of Sally Menke. Amy O'Connell: A lifelong horror enthusiast with a passion for storytelling, Amy is an experienced editor with a varied portfolio. Her work ranges from lighthearted food and travel documentary, to bone chilling drama. Her most recent short, ‘Shadowban' (Best Irish Short, 2023 Shark Awards) tells the story of a woman driving through the countryside alone in her car at night… Or is she? This podcast has been made possible thanks to the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund.

This year at the Galway Film Fleadh Women in Film and TV Ireland and TG4 announced a brand new partnership. This live event, which took place in the Pálás cinema saw TG4 celebrating the women-led creative work they supported at this year's festival, nodding to a long history of leading the way in representation in front of and behind the camera.The event was MCed by Caitríona Ní Chualáin, and saw Director General of TG4 Alan Esslemont and WFT Chair Dr. Susan Liddy discussing the great strides and initiatives that TG4 has led in the past few years. We also caught up with WFT Member and Chair of the Board of Galway Film Fleadh, Annie Doona. And we also spoke with TG4 Commissioning Editors Proinsias Ní Ghráinne and Laura Ní Cheallaigh about the brave work that has been developed and broadcast at TG4. To support the work we do, make sure your membership is up to date at WFT.ie. Or you can buy us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WFTIreland/

In this episode of the WFT Ireland podcast, crowdfunding specialist Eileen Jerrett shares invaluable insights on fundraising strategies. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned professional, learn how to finance your film and bring your vision to life. During the event, Eileen talks about marketing techniques, how to make your campaign stand out, and, most importantly - what not to do. Download the free crowdfunding guide for artists at https://entrepreneur.indiegogo.com/education/article/creative-campaign-handbook/ This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. https://wft.ie/

Earlier this year, Catalyst International Film Festival in association with the Writers Guild hosted a very special panel discussing the importance of the short film script as a calling card and how writers can break through into longer forms. Introducing the 5 selected finalists in the Short Screenplay Award, 2023, the panel featured WGI Chair Jennifer Davidson, Sinéad Collopy, Ken Harmon, Aisling Walsh and Robert Higgins. This podcast release has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. https://wft.ie/ https://catalystinternationalfilmfestival.com/

In this podcast, WFT Ireland celebrates the release of 'Women, Ageing and the Screen Industries: Falling off a Cliff?', an academic collection edited by our chair and incoming WIFT International President Dr. Susan Liddy. WFT Ireland Project Manager Gemma Creagh talks to Dr. Liddy about this significant work which delves into the intersection of gender and age, shedding light on the challenges and contributions of women in the screen industries. https://wft.ie/ Learn more about the academic resource Women, Ageing and the Screen Industries: Falling off a Cliff? at https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-18385-0 This online event has been made possible by Coimisiún na Meán.

Every year, Catalyst International Film Festival presents a programme that prioritises stories and storytellers currently under-represented on screen and behind the camera. In this New Voices: New Industry - recorded at this year's festival in March filmmaker and Catalyst Programme Assistant Aisha Bolaji moderates a panel of up-and-coming creatives within the Irish film industry. The lineup features Actor Martin Mahon, Director Rehan Ali, Writer/Director Elizabeth Adewusi and Director Nell Hensey. https://wft.ie/ https://catalystinternationalfilmfestival.com/

2023 marked a very special year for Women in Film and TV Ireland. Our Chair, Dr. Susan Liddy has been elected as the Incoming President of WIFT International, an appointment that was celebrated at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year. This podcast section was recorded live at WIFT International's Future of Storytelling event. Nadean Rawlins, President of Women in Film and TV Jamaica takes to the podium, and talks about how, and why, we can do better when it comes to inclusive storytelling. During the event, Susan caught up with Kissy Duggan. A writer, producer and activist for gender equality, Kissy is the founder of Women in Film, Television & Media Italia, where she currently sits on the board. During this discussion, Kissy gives her tips on making the most of the festival in question. Finally, Producer & Green Film Production Expert Alissa Aubenque spoke about the future of filmmaking, how can we make it as sustainable as possible and why we as an industry need to put the environment first. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. https://wft.ie/

At Catalyst International Film Festival this year, WFT held a very special panel comprised of respected film critics working nationally and held in partnership with Screen Ireland. This talk was moderated by Gemma Creagh (Film Ireland/Arena) and featured Ruth Barton (Arena); Roe McDermott (Hotpress); Mohamed Tarek (Egyptian Film Critics Association); and Chris Wasser (Sunday Independent & Irish Examiner), reflecting on the role the critic has in the industry. Are they drawn from too small a pool? Does this impact the films reviewed and the perspective of the reviewer? https://wft.ie/ https://catalystinternationalfilmfestival.com/

Today's podcast is from the WFT Ireland Archives and features a masterclass on Directing with Neasa Hardiman. This talk covered the editing segment and was recorded in the RTE studios in 2017. About Neasa Hardiman Neasa is a BAFTA-winning Director and Writer for film and television drama. Born in Dublin, she began her creative career with a First Class Honours degree from the National College of Art and Design Ireland, winning a scholarship to the Universität der Künste Berlin. Her unique engagement with art and politics led to a Master's degree in Politics and Aesthetics at NCAD, and a PhD in Film Theory at Trinity College Dublin. Neasa deployed her potent storytelling in theatre and in award-winning documentaries, she was the youngest ever director of RTÉ's serial drama. The creative invention of her work quickly led to award-winning dramas for the BBC, Channel Four, Amazon and Netflix. Neasa's currently directing Amazon and Sister Pictures ambitious political sci-fi The Power. Her most recent work, international thriller Hit & Run, reached Number One on Netflix USA. Her feature début Sea Fever screened to critical acclaim on the opening night of the Toronto International Film Festival 2019. A sci-fi thriller grounded in the realities of trawler life, the film's theatrical opening was hindered by Covid. It was released digitally across the US on April 10th 2020, becoming one of America's top five digital downloads, then across Europe April 24th 2020, before its release in Russia, China and Australia. Neasa was recently commissioned by Dreamworks to adapt a noir thriller for the big screen. In 2017, Neasa was awarded a BAFTA for the gritty murder drama Happy Valley (BBC / Netflix), before directing the finale of noir superhero drama Jessica Jones (Marvel / Netflix). Neasa teamed with Killer Films and Amazon to direct the 1920s story of Zelda Sayre and her troubling life with F. Scott Fitzgerald, Z: The Beginning of Everything, starring Christina Ricci. Her earlier works include the two-hour story finale for BAFTA-nominated homicide thriller Scott & Bailey and acclaimed BBC six-part drama In The Club. While she was still at college, Neasa founded creative design consultancy Language Communications with Adam May. In 2015, she determined to create a pathway to the global industry for young writers and directors in her home country of Ireland, founding major new national initiative Big Stories on the Small Screen. Neasa is bilingual in German, she speaks French and Irish as well as her native English.

What opportunities are there for women writers over the age of 40? WFT Ireland is excited to present the WFT Writers Room Podcast, a space where our members can engage in conversations about the art and craft of writing. This discussion is led by WFT Chair and WIFT International Incoming President Dr. Susan Liddy, spotlighting the great work of the Writers Lab, an initiative created by Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon in 2015 to support female screenwriters over 40. But hurry with those applications – the deadline is the 15th May! Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon co-founded The Writers Lab with Kyle Ann Stokes in 2015, and co-produce it with New York Women in Film & Television. Elizabeth and Nitza are also founding Partners of Women in the Script Trade (WIST), where they work individually with exceptional women screenwriters, and ran script development labs in NY and LA for the Athena Film Festival 2016-2020. Elizabeth previously served as Head of Development at Tangerine Entertainment, an independent production company that produces films directed by women, and has mentored at Stowe Story Labs. A former theater and film critic and graduate of Princeton and the Yale School of Drama, she lives in New York with her family. Nitza was formerly an actor, journalist, and magazine and book editor. She earned her BA from the Annenberg School of Communications at UPenn. In addition to her work advocating for women in film, Nitza is a writer and voice actor. She lives in New York City with her family. This is the only program in the world devoted exclusively to script development for women writers over the age of 40.

At Catalyst International Film Festival last April, WFT held a very special panel discussion, Amplifying Traveller Voices. How can filmmaking and music offer a platform to ethnic minorities like the Travelling community to share perspectives and aspects of their culture? This panel featured Alice McDowell, David McDonagh, Dr. Sindy Joyce and Wilzee and was moderated by Martina Durac. This talk has been made possible with the generous support of the Coimisiún na Meán.

WFT Writers Room – Well-being and Resilience with Johanna Thea For writers, it can be tough to strike the right work/life balance. In our latest podcast, WFT Project Manager Gemma Creagh spoke with the accomplished speaker, creative and fellow WFT Member Johanna Thea. The second in the WFT Writers Room series, they discussed not only Johanna's impressive and varied career to date but also about the importance of looking after our mental health as creatives in a highly competitive industry. About Johanna Thea Johanna is a polyethnic, Irish actress, writer, model and speaker on neurodiversity (dyslexia and dyspraxia) and wellbeing. Upon completing her Honours BSc in Psychology she published her autobiography in short stories “If Only You Knew”. She also began writing articles, and recognised her love of Positive Psychology, with her final year research project being entitled “What Does it Mean to be Happy”. The next 5 years were spent acting, modelling and being commissioned for wellbeing articles in London and Los Angeles. She also gained a qualification in Reiki levels 1 and 2, and discovered herself as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. During covid, she completed her Honours MSc in Affective Disorders at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Her final year project focused on Depression and how it relates to perceptual biases. She was also hired by the IOPPN as a speaker for new students while being student representative. Since the pandemic, she has been working as an actress, model and resilience speaker in Ireland and London. She is most passionate about acting and speaking with intent to contribute to developing resilience, given her own self-recovery from traumas and subsequently thriving as a result of them! She is excited to be moving into Intuitive Resilience Coaching this year, due to demand. This event has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán.

WFT Ireland and the Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) returned to the Galway Film Fleadh last July for this in-person panel discussion. Our special guests Raising Films Ireland (RFI) ensured that we explored the realities of parenting and caring in the screen industries and asked how we could we make things better? Led by moderator WFT Chair Dr. Susan Liddy, the panelists were Ailish Bracken, Chair Raising Films Ireland; Clare Monnelly, Actor; Diarmuid Goggins, Director; Hannah Quinn, Director & WFT Ireland Board Member. This event was made possible with the support of the Broadcast Authority of Ireland.

When it comes to realising the visual concept of a film, the Production Designer is key. They use a unique set of skills to develop the design style for the sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting and costumes. In this podcast, WFT Member and Production Designer and Graphic Artist Jill Beecher talks with Production Designer Katie Byron about their craft and all things industry related... from flotation tanks to film families. This event has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. Katie Byron: Don't Worry Darling is the second collaboration between Olivia Wilde and Katie Byron after Booksmart in 2018. Her work includes Mike Mills' C'mon C'mon, Janicza Bravo's Zola, Tara Miele's Wander Darkly , Spectrevision's Color Out Of Space an HP Lovecraft adaptation by cult director Richard Stanley, meta slasher film The Final Girls and several films by Drake Doremus; Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner Like Crazy, Zoe, Breathe In, Equals and Newness. Her television work includes BBC America's Dirk Gently Holistic Detective Agency, IFC's Documentary Now, the FX series A Teacher and the Australian/American genre bending series Wolf Like Me. Jill Beecher: Jill was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1984. She is a production designer, art director and concept illustrator who has worked across Hollywood Productions and local Irish projects too. Jill is now represented by William Morris Endeavour and is a member of the British and American Art Director Guilds. She also is a visual artist who has exhibited in Europe, America and Australia.

This International Women's Day, Women in Film and TV Ireland were delighted to join forces with Screen Producers Ireland, EWA and Screen Guilds of Ireland for a very special panel discussion #EmbraceEquity. Featuring me, EWA Director of Strategy Edel Brosnan; Screen Guilds of Ireland CEO Jess Drum; Writer/Producer/Broadcaster Ola Majekodunmi; ShinAwil Head of Business Affairs Niall Murphy and Pull the Trigger Executive Producer Max Brady, we discussed the issues facing women in film and TV today and what a more inclusive industry might look like. This podcast release was supported by Coimisiún na Meán.

Timing can be everything. As all good filmmakers know well, a film can be made in the edit. In this podcast, award-winning editor Cara Holmes spoke with Academy Award-nominated Editor Joi McMillon about her career to date and the craft of the edit and featured a surprise drop-in guest in the form of Barry Jenkins, Moonlight Director. Joi McMillon Joi McMillon is an award-winning editor best known for her work on Barry Jenkins' critically acclaimed film Moonlight, the Best Picture winner at the 89th Academy Awards. McMillon's work on the feature solidified her place in history as the first black female nominated for an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Film Editing. McMillon led the editorial department on The Underground Railroad, Jenkins' limited series adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel for Amazon Studios. Cara Holmes Cara Holmes is a film editor and director with over 10 years experience. Cara has completed feature and short documentaries on a wide range of subjects, from the surreal world of self-experimentation to the impassioned snapshot of the daily lives of Gazans. Cara's editing credits include feature documentaries Father of the Cyborgs and Lost in France. Visit her IMDB page here. This was one in a series of online Crew Talks, supported by Screen Skills Ireland. https://wft.ie/

Director Sophie Hyde is making waves in the industry – a changemaker in her field. Her film Good Luck To You, Leo Grande challenged ageist stereotypes and assumptions on the big screen. WFT Chair Dr Susan Liddy spoke with Sophie about her film, as well as her impressive career to date, crossing hemispheres in the process. This talk has been made possible with the generous support of the BAI. Sophie Hyde is a founding member of film collective Closer Productions. She lives and works on the lands of the Kaurna people in South Australia and makes provocative and intimate films and television. Her latest film, Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, starring Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack, premiered at both Sundance Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival to rave reviews and will be released in 2022. Her debut feature drama 52 Tuesdays (director/producer/co-writer) won the Directing Award at Sundance and the Crystal Bear at Berlin. She directed and produced feature comedy Animals, which premiered at Sundance 2019. She created, produced and directed episodic series F*!#ing Adelaide for ABC Australia, and the 4 x 1-hour series The Hunting for SBS. Sophie's feature documentaries include Life in Movement (producer /co-director), Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure (producer), Sam Klemke's Time Machine (producer) and In My Blood It Runs (Producer).

At Catalyst International Film Festival last April, WFT held a very special discussion, Voices from the Edge. Moderated by Dr Zelie Asava (Screen Ireland) this panel explored the contribution and challenges facing diverse Irish or Irish-based artists to the cultural life of Irish society across a range of art forms including film, television and music. Sandrine Uwase Ndahiro is an English Ph.D. student in the University of Limerick. Owen Alfred is a rising artist based in limerick, Ireland.Corinne Gibbons is currently studying Creative Broadcast & Film Production at the Technological University of the Shannon. Shane Joyce is a filmmaker. This talk has been made possible with the generous support of the BAI.

Our Newest Sponsor, Windmill Lane has been around for 45 years, helping storytellers to express their stories through post, VFX, audio and creative partnerships. Earlier this month, WFT Board Member and Producer Fiona Kinsella spoke with Head of Production at Windmill Lane, Deborah Doherty about the industry, her impressive career to date, and all things post-production. Deborah Doherty Deborah has been with Windmill Lane for almost 18 years working as an Audio Studio manager, Producer and now Head of Production across its Film and TV, Commercial and VFX sectors. She ran the successful Number 4 audio studios from 2005-2019 growing the team and resulting in several IFTA, ICAD, Irish Animation awards and an Emmy nomination. Recent projects include dramas Kin and Smother, features My Little Pony: a new generation, Greta, Black 47, Murder at the Cottage and new VFX work for Netflix and Paramount. She is passionate about finding and developing new talent in the industry and helping Windmill's diverse client base take their projects and exceed all expectations. Prior to joining Windmill Lane, Deborah worked for audio studios in London, and for radio stations and marketing agencies in Leeds after completing her degree there at the University of Leeds. Originally from the Co. Derry north coast, Deborah has lived in Dublin since 2005 and is a busy mum to Noah age 6 and Sadie age 3, and loves living near the sea, walks on the beach, and great TV drama. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. https://wft.ie/

WFT Ireland was delighted to partner with The Netflix Documentary Talent Fund to present a special in-person information session and screening on Thursday, 9th February 2023 at the Stella Theatre in Rathmines. We apologise for the quality of the audio from this live event but we hope you enjoy the content. This year the theme of the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund is on Connection. Netflix has five funds of £30,000 to make a short documentary film between 8-12 minutes long and selected filmmakers will benefit from the guidance of Netflix and other filmmaking professionals. The fund closes on 16th February. Read the guidelines, F.A.Q's and make an application here: https://www.netflixdocfund.co.uk

Is the future of film on the Island of Ireland decentralised? On Thursday 1st December, WFT Ireland in partnership with Wexford Screen Writers Academy and with the support of BAI presented Producing Beyond the Pale. This lively industry discussion, covering all aspects of filmmaking outside of Dublin took place in the National Opera House, Wexford. This event has been made possible with the support of the BAI.