POPULARITY
This year, the PorterShed in Galway will be the location for the 2026 Sustainable Media Ireland (SMI) annual conference. It is the first time it will be held outside of Dublin, and TG4 are delighted to be the host. Sustainable Media Ireland is a network of media organisations that come together to discuss and share information, consider policy and promote engagement on all aspects of sustainability across Ireland's media sector. SMI members include TG4, RTÉ, Virgin Media Ireland, Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI), Craol representing national, local and community media commercial and online press, with support from Coimisiún na Meán. The conference will be a day-long experience, featuring talks and panels looking at many aspects of the media in Ireland, all through the prism of sustainability. While this clearly means careful consideration of the environment, it also considers the economic stability and social and cultural impact of our work. Previous SMI events took place in Virgin Media Ireland studios and RTÉ studios. This year's event will feature a look at the contribution Manchán Magan has made to the Irish language, television and our appreciation of the land. Technology innovator Glen Mulcahy looks into what impact AI could have in the not-too-distant future. After a very wet and stormy start to the year, there will also be a discussion on business resilience in the light of increasing extreme weather impact. Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: "Coimisiún na Meán is committed to supporting sustainability best practice across the media sector in Ireland. The annual Sustainable Media Ireland event offers all members the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and develop policy. We are delighted to be heading West and holding the event outside Dublin for the first time. We're always conscious of managing the carbon footprint of the event by choosing timings that are convenient for public transport, which we strongly encourage, and providing vegetarian-only catering options. We're also excited to introduce online streaming for the first time for members unable to travel with international contributors joining us via video link. At a time when extreme weather events are impacting every part of Irish society, we look forward to exploring how media can address the climate crisis in a meaningful way." Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director General TG4: "TG4 are delighted to be hosting our media colleagues for this wonderful event. Sustainability must be at the heart of everything we do as organisations. It will be great to share best practices, hear from inspiring innovators in sustainable production and discuss the challenges we all face while working together to find long-term, viable solutions. Bringing people to Galway also allows us to showcase the best of what is happening here in the production sector in the West and to celebrate the achievements of our wonderfully talented media and creative professionals". The conference takes place on Wednesday, 25th February and is free for SMI members and staff to attend. Tickets are available on Eventbrite here.
In this episode of the Film Ireland Podcast, we're delighted to partner with the National Talent Academy of Film & TV Drama, an initiative of Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann, managed by Ardán.In this panel discussion, Gemma Creagh chats with four talented filmmakers Sodiq Ajibola Abiola (4C), Louise Bruton (Let Go), Edelle Kenny (The Race) and Clare Monnelly (Babysitter). Their films were funded under the NTAs short film schemes, and are set to have their world premieres at the Dublin International Film Festival on 20th February.With the NTAS First Credits Scheme deadline approaching on 6th March, applicants must attend the information session taking place on 25th February. Listen now on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Acast and Amazon, or subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts.Sodiq Ajibola Abiola, 4CWriter & DirectorNigerian born artist, writer and actor raised in Ireland. Writing horror, surreal and humorous based scripts to bring light to various unrepresented topics with a fun twist. Sodiq trained for screen acting at Bow St Academy in 2020, attending The Lir Academy for the 6 months Actors Ensemble program. With experience in editing, directing his first short Rock Rock Scissors as part of the KinoD Filmmaking weekend. Sodiq enjoys art that challenges the audience while allowing them to also have fun engaging with the art.Louise Bruton, Let Go Writer & DirectorLouise Bruton, Writer & Director, Irish. Arts Journalist, DJ, writer and disability rights activist.Edelle Kenny, The RaceDirector Edelle is writer/director/producer who has a wealth of varied experience over her past 15+ years in the industry. She spent 10 years in the United States where she built a career with notable networks such as Paramount, Discovery and Viacom directing and story producing some of USA's most successful docu-series and reality television. Her first short film Ossobuco credited her as “one to watch” tackling challenging feminist themes and ran a successful worldwide festival circuit. She returned home in 2022 and began working in the scripted format assisting award winning writers, directors and executive producers on films with Universal Pictures, Blumhouse and Amazon MGM studios. She has completed multiple shadowing experiences including Declan Lowney, Alicia Mac Donald and most recently directed a 2nd unit on RTÉ's Hidden Assets following her NTA shadow placement there. She is currently mentored by Dearbhla Walsh for the year 2026 and has been awarded a spot on the sought after Spotlight programme by Screen Ireland where she is developing her Tv Series Slánú.Clare Monnelly, BabysitterDirectorClare is an actor and a writer. She has worked with Druid, the Gate, the Abbey and Decadent amongst others, and was nominated for an Irish Times Theatre Award for Best Actress in her self-penned Charlie's a Clepto and Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mary in Livin Dred's production of Tom Murphy's Bailegangaire. On screen she has worked with RTÉ, Sky One, Deadpan Pictures, Element and many more. She plays Anita Fallon in The Gone for Keeper Pictures. She leads the Cine4 feature Fréwaka for DoubleBand Films, Wildcard and TG4.Clare's first play Charlie's a Clepto was nominated for two Irish Times Theatre Awards (Best New Play, Best Actress) and the Stewart Parker New Playwright Bursary. Her second play minefield premiered at the Dublin Fringe Festival 2019 and was nominated for three Fringe Awards (Best Design, Fishamble New Writing Award, First Fortnight Award). In 2023 she premiered three new plays - The Hare with Once Off Productions and Cairde Arts Festival, The Local with Asylum Productions and Kilkenny Arts Festival and SuperBogger with Livin' Dred Theatre Company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Film Ireland Podcast, supported by Screen Ireland, we're delighted to be chatting once again with director, screenwriter and novelist John Butler.John is behind the popular feature films The Stag, Handsome Devil and Papi Chulo, and was a writer and second director on Stephen Merchant's The Outlaws for BBC One and Amazon Studios. His latest series, These Sacred Vows, is now airing on RTÉ, with the first two episodes available to watch on the RTÉ Player, and episode three airing at 9.30pm this Sunday on RTÉ One.This episode has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholders Fund.Secrets of love, lies, and betrayal unravel at an Irish wedding in Tenerife after the body of a priest is found floating face-down in the swimming pool of the young guests' villa.John Butler BiographyJohn is a novelist and an RTS and IFTA award-winning director and writer for TV and film. He wrote on and directed Stephen Merchant's “The Outlaws” (BBC/Amazon), starring Christopher Walken, Darren Boyd and Eleanor Tomlinson In 2019, “Papi Chulo” (which John wrote and directed) premiered as special presentation at TIFF. Other premieres included DIFF19 (Dublin), TFF (Torino), Palm Springs, LFF (London), BFI Flare, Guadalajara, Glasgow, Prague and Sydney. Prior to that, John wrote and directed “Handsome Devil”, which sold to Netflix worldwide and picked up awards including the DIFF Critic's Circle Award, the Miami Film Festival audience award and best drama at the Celtic Film and TV Festival. In 2014, John directed and co-wrote “The Stag” which premiered at TIFF, TriBeCa, Turin and elsewhere. In 2012, John's debut novel “The Tenderloin” was published by Picador and shortlisted at the Irish Book Awards. John's other writing has appeared in Esquire magazine, The Irish Times, The Dublin Review, The San Francisco Chronicle, FilmMaker magazine, Shot List, and on NPR.z9i5d5gg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Evelyn O'Rourke, RTÉ Arts and Media Correspondent, takes a look at Screen Ireland's annual launch of its productions for 2026.
According to Screen Ireland, also known as Fís Éireann, the national development agency for the sector just published its annual figures. The sector contributed €544 million to the economy, a 26% increase on 2024. Ray Harman, Chair of Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland.
Screen Ireland has announced the latest writers selected for its flagship Spotlight: Irish Myths and Legends scheme — with a record number of applications from across the country. Eleven emerging screenwriters will now develop bold new TV projects inspired by Ireland's rich mythology, working with mentors and industry professionals. Daragh Dolan had a chat with Oisín McKeogh, one of the writers selected for this year's programme on Friday's Morning Focus.
Last year, Film Ireland presented Screen Sessions Live, an afternoon of in-depth conversations on craft, career and creativity between talent from the Irish screen industries - made possible with the support of Screen Ireland and hosted by our partners Griffith College.In this special live podcast recording, graphic artist Annie Atkins (The Grand Budapest Hotel, The French Dispatch, Bridge of Spies) is in conversation with production designer, art director, and concept illustrator Jill Beecher (Babylon, Elvis, The Revenant). Both creatives are key voices in the art department on some of Hollywood's most ambitious and visually distinctive films. In this discussion, Annie and Jill explore the creative realities of working behind the scenes - from collaboration and artistry to problem-solving on set - and discuss how design shapes the stories we see on screen.Visit Film Ireland here to check out the images mentioned during the discussion: https://www.filmireland.net/screen-sessions-live-podcast-on-design-with-annie-atkins-the-grand-budapest-hotel-jill-beecher-babylon/Annie AtkinsAnnie Atkins has created graphic props and set pieces for multiple Oscar-nominated and winning movies such as Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs, and The French Dispatch; Spielberg's Bridge of Spies and West Side Story; and the map for the latest Indiana Jones movie, The Dial of Destiny.Her first book, Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams, and Prison Escape Maps, was published by Phaidon and drew critical acclaim as a behind-the-scenes look at film design, winning accolades from Jeff Goldblum, among others: “Annie makes the unreal seem hyperreal, and the real more supremely alive and utterly magical...” Her latest book, Letters from the North Pole, is a children's picture book and is available now.Jill BeecherJill 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 (Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, The Revenant, Alien: Covenant, Babylon, Elvis). Jill is now represented by William Morris Endeavour and is a member of the British and American Art Directors Guilds. She is also a visual artist who has exhibited in Europe, America, and Australia.Subscribe now on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify and Amazon, or subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the latest episode of the State of the Arts podcast (@sotapod), filmmaker and writer Des Doyle sits down with executive producer, director and writer Neasa Hardiman to discuss her expansive career across feature film and television, and her transition to working on large-scale, big-budget streamer projects. Produced in partnership with Film Ireland and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme, the State of the Arts series explores the creative processes, industry challenges, and new opportunities that both Irish and international creatives face in today's ever-evolving artistic landscapes. In this conversation, Neasa reflects on her journey honing her craft, developing her debut feature, and stepping into directing on a major Netflix project. She and Des also pay tribute to Rob Reiner, discussing the lasting legacy of his work and its influence on contemporary storytelling. Drawing on her unique experience working across the Atlantic, Neasa shares insight into navigating the industry between Ireland and the US, and the creative advantages - and opportunities - of operating in both worlds. Follow the journey of State of the Arts here: https://www.instagram.com/sotapod/ Read more about the podcast here: www.filmireland.net/state-of-the-arts-podcast-ep-director-writer-neasa-hardiman-jessica-jones-untamed-the-day-of-the-jackal-with-des-doyle
The Entertainment IP Summit 2026 will take place online on January 14-15, 2026, bringing together senior decision-makers across film, TV, games, animation, publishing, podcasting, XR/VR and transmedia to examine how stories are developed, scaled and monetised across formats and global markets. The two-day event is free to attend, with registration now open at www.entertainmentipsummit.com. Registrants will also receive on-demand access to all sessions for 90 days after the event. The Summit opens with a headline keynote interview featuring Eoin Colfer, one of Ireland's most successful authors and creator of the globally acclaimed Artemis Fowl series. Colfer has sold over 25 million books worldwide, with his work adapted into a major screen production with Disney starring Colin Farrell. His keynote will explore the art and business of building enduring IP from page to screen and beyond. Supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders funding scheme, the Summit will provide practical strategies for developing and sustaining IP in a rapidly shifting landscape. Topics span story creation and concept development, branding and global expansion, legal protection, fan engagement, and emerging formats. Across two days, attendees will gain actionable insights into how to build, manage and monetise IP in a converging global marketplace. "We're entering a new era of entertainment where stories no longer live in a single format," said Suzanne Leyden of Calico Media Interactive, one of the event organisers alongside DV4. "Audiences build loyalty across screens. This event brings together the people pioneering cross-format IP-from franchises and fandom to AI-assisted development-to share what's working right now and what's coming next." Simon Fine of DV4 added: "Conceived as a virtual event from the outset, the Entertainment IP Summit draws on DV4's expertise in producing successful online and hybrid events, allowing Calico Media to concentrate on delivering an outstanding line-up of speakers and sessions." Speakers & Highlights Confirmed speakers include: Eoin Colfer, best-selling author of Artemis Fowl Anthony Geffen, Atlantic Studios, director of Flying Monsters 3D with David Attenborough Professor Henry Jenkins, University of Southern California, widely regarded as "the godfather of transmedia" HaZ Dulull, Beyond the Pixels, pioneer in game-engine filmmaking Nuno Bernardo, beActive Media, expert in lean IP development Jeff Rivera, Collective 5, on greenlighting yourself with AI Bethany Thomson, Sea Star Productions, on the rise of mobile vertical video drama Programme Highlights: Day 1 - Exploring IP Development (Jan 14): Storytelling fundamentals, concept building, branded entertainment strategies, broadcaster roles, and case studies. Day 2 - IP Development: A Global Perspective (Jan 15): Fandom and audience building, mobile vertical drama, Ireland's IP advantages, film-game convergence, legal considerations, and AI-driven self-greenlighting. Who Should Attend Creators, producers, studio executives, rights-holders, broadcasters, game developers, publishers and IP strategists looking to stay ahead of global entertainment trends. About the Entertainment IP Summit The Entertainment IP Summit is the premier online event for senior decision-makers in film, TV, games, animation, publishing, XR/VR and transmedia. It delivers expert guidance on protecting, managing and monetising IP in a fast-changing global entertainment landscape. In addition to support by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, the Summit partners are IADT and RTÉ. Registration & Sponsorship Registration is entirely free and open now via the Summit website. Sponsors and partners interested in aligning with this high-level global gathering are invited to contact the event team at https://www.entertainmentipsummit.com/ See more stories here.
In the latest episode of the State of the Arts Podcast, host filmmaker and writer Des Doyle chats with Steven S. DeKnight, acclaimed screenwriter, director, producer, and creator/showrunner behind some of the most influential genre series of the past two decades. Produced in partnership with Film Ireland and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme, the State of the Arts series explores the creative processes, industry challenges, and new opportunities that both Irish and international creatives face in today's ever-evolving artistic landscapes. In this conversation, DeKnight reflects on his journey breaking into the entertainment industry as a writer on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He discusses his work writing, directing, and producing on iconic series such as Angel, Smallville, and Dollhouse, before creating the hit show Spartacus for Starz and showrunning season one of Marvel's Daredevil. He also talks about making his feature directorial debut with Pacific Rim: Uprising and his return to the Spartacus universe with the upcoming Spartacus: House of Ashur. Follow the journey of State of the Arts here: https://www.instagram.com/sotapod/ Read more about this episode here: www.filmireland.net/state-of-the-arts-podcast-showrunner-steven-s-deknight-spartacus-house-of-ashur-with-host-des-doyle
In the latest episode of the State of the Arts Podcast, host filmmaker and writer Des Doyle chats with Catherine Doyle, internationally bestselling and award-winning author of The Dagger and the Flame, The Rebel And The Rose and The Storm Keeper trilogy. Produced in partnership with Film Ireland and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme, the State of the Arts series explores the creative processes, industry challenges, and new opportunities that both Irish and international creatives face in today's ever-evolving artistic landscapes. In this conversation, Doyle shares insights into her creative journey - from inspirations, to the practical aspects of building emotionally rich, imaginative worlds for young readers, to writing Romantasy books with the City Of Fantome trilogy and co-authoring the bestselling Twin Crowns trilogy. She discusses her journey, becoming successful, and gives helpful insight into how she managed to pen 13 books in a decade. Follow the journey of State of the Arts here: https://www.instagram.com/sotapod/ Read more about this episode here: https://www.filmireland.net/state-of-the-arts-podcast-bestselling-author-catherine-doyle-with-host-des-doyle
In this debut episode of the State of the Arts Podcast, host filmmaker and writer Des Doyle chats with Ciarán Donnelly, BAFTA and multiple IFTA award-winning Director/Producer, and co-creator of Kin. Produced in partnership with Film Ireland and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme, the series explores the creative processes, industry challenges, and new opportunities that both Irish & international creatives face in ever-evolving artistic landscapes. In this discussion, Donnelly shares his experience and insight, having directed and produced some of the world's most successful television series, including global hits such as Amazon's The Wheel of Time, Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla, and MGM/History's Vikings. Read more about the podcast here: www.filmireland.net/state-of-the-arts-podcast-ciaran-donnelly-dir-wheel-of-time-vikings-co-creator-kin-with-host-des-doyle/ Follow the journey of State of the Arts here: https://www.instagram.com/sotapod/ Chapters: 2.37 Influences 5.00 College 11.25 Early Career in the UK 14.37 Getting Cold Feet 20.45 Getting a BAFTA 21.40 Working in the US 22.40 Directing The Tudors 26.04 Directing Camelot 26.45 The Importance of Directing a Pilot 29.05 Gaining Experience and Co-Directing Krypton 32.22 Working With Artists Like Eva Green & John Malkovich 36.06 Directing Wheel of Time 41.13 Being Producer/Director 42.30 Being a Writer 43.25 Kin 46.25 Artificial Intelligence 53.32 The Streaming Age 59.03 Current & Future Projects 1.04.05 T4 Productions 1.05.23 Creator's Choices
In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Dave Byrne, Director of Sunphlowers. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. Set against an agricultural backdrop, Catherine finds her husband dead in one of their glasshouses. In putting his affairs in order, the extent of secrecy and destruction her late husband Michael has left in his wake, forces Catherine to take a long hard look at the direction of the remainder of her life. In the days that follow, Catherine must deal with very real life issues such as rural isolation, organised criminals targeting vulnerable people and financial ruin. Catherine initially struggles to deal with the overwhelming responsibilities that lay ahead, whilst also providing emotional support to her three adult children. Pride and determination brings out a strength of character beyond Catherine's own expectations, as she deals with each problem head on, resulting in a new found sense of freedom and the power to forgive and move on with her life. Cast: Anne McCrudden, Patrick Bergin, Jerry Fish, Paul McQuaid, AbigaIl O'Regan. Sunphlowers is in cinemas from 26th September 2025.
In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Ciarán Kissane, Director of Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO). This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. https://www.filmireland.net/essay-in-the-name-of-the-censor/ IFCO & Screen Ireland: Classify an Irish Short Film As part of this year's Culture Night, the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) and Screen Ireland invite visitors behind the scenes of the world of film classification for a one-of-a-kind experience. Step into IFCO's intimate onsite cinema and take part in classifying a Screen Ireland short film alongside an official IFCO Film Classifier – a rare opportunity to see exactly how IFCO comes to a decision and why a particular age rating would be applied. Each screening will be followed by an interactive discussion, where audiences can explore the guidelines and decision-making process that determine whether a film gets a G, PG, 12A, or 15A classification and debate where they would draw the line themselves! With multiple screenings running between 16:00 – 20:00, there's something for everyone, including options suitable for younger audiences. Booking is essential – make sure to reserve the screening that's right for you and your family for this unmissable Culture Night event.
Sean Conroy is a writer and comedian known for his writing work on shows like Mr. Pickles and Key and Peele. A longtime ASSSSCAT improviser at UCB (since 1997) and a Conan stand-up alum, Sean has also directed a short film, is developing a pilot with Screen Ireland, and has launched several podcasts. He is a member of the WGA and SAG.Connect with Sean:➡️ Instagram: @seanconroy➡️ TikTok: @seanconroywriteseanconroy.comAbout The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.
In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Producer Peter Kilmartin & Director Ailill Martin, whose film 'The Good Farmer and the Failed Son' won the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. This story follows Jack, a performance artist, and his father Bryan, as they face an uncertain future for their farm and questions around Jack's place in it. In the traditional world of farming much is expected of Jack as the family's only son, however up until this point Jack has never really considered farming an option. Last December, Netflix announced the six teams of winners of the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund, which included the winning Irish team: filmmakers Ailill Martin and Peter Kilmartin from Dublin & County Roscommon. Now in its third year, the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund supports emerging filmmakers to nurture their talent through making a short documentary. The six recipients were challenged to respond to the prompt “you're never gonna believe this…”. Each team was supported by Netflix to produce a short documentary between 8-12 minutes long with a budget of £30,000 each. As part of the process the team participated in a boot camp which provided training from experts at Netflix who coached them and host workshops covering Creative, HR and Production. The initiative provides filmmakers with a personalised experience to best suit their levels of expertise and help them further their careers. The Netflix Documentary Talent Fund films had their global premiere on the closing night of London's Raindance Film Festival on 26th June 2025. Netflix has released the six films on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGie8GMlUo3kBKIopdvumVQ
In December 2024, we were thrilled to host our Screen Sessions live event, an afternoon of in-depth conversations on craft, career and creativity between talent from the Irish Screen industries - made possible with the support of Screen Ireland and hosted by our partners Griffith College. We are now delighted to bring you the three live conversations as podcasts beginning with Casting Director Maureen Hughes (The Miracle Club, Small Things Like These, Once, Abigail) in conversation with Actor/Director/Producer Mo O'Connell (SPA Weekend, Girls, Hum, Horseshoe).
Conor spent most of his youth in Ireland gigging in rock bands, working in a video store and reading too many Stephen King novels. Eventually, he knew he had to course correct and follow his dreams. Conor is a writer, filmmaker and award winning podcaster from Dublin with a masters in film production from Staffordshire University. Conor writes about misfits, monsters and broken hearts, and his writing is infused with folklore, horror and comedy. After writing episodes of the popular animation series STORIES FROM BACKWOODS, Conor was hired to develop an adult animated series with Irish animation production company Ink and Light and recently optioned an original live action feature screenplay. Conor's screenplay DARA MCCOOL received screenplay development funding from Screen Ireland in 2022 and received a bursary for Stowe Story Labs in Vermont. This animated script went on to be awarded second round development funding in 2024. Conor was a screenwriting mentee of BAFTA winning writer Will Collins (Wolfwalkers) for a yearlong mentorship in 2022. Conor's numerous independent short films and spec scripts have placed in competitions and festivals worldwide (Save The Cat, Big Break, Stage 32 Animation, Straight 8). Author of two Irish Arts Council funded novel manuscripts MONUMENTAL and THE OUTER CIRCLE, the second of which was shortlisted in the Irish Writer's Centre Novel Fair 2020. Conor has directed factual entertainment and documentary and kids TV for RTE & RTE Jnr and is a skilled camera operator, stills photographer and editor for film and TV and online video productions. His directorial feature film debut mockumentary THE LIGHT OF DAY screened at the Galway Film Fleadh and the IFI Horrorthon. Creator and host of horror podcast The Hidden Station, and Fad Camp on the Headstuff Podcast Network which was nominated for Irish Podcast awards in 2022 & won best entertainment in 2023. In his spare time you can find Conor traveling Europe & America, learning a new musical instrument, taking selfies with other people's dogs and cats, or tinkering with dusty old analogue cameras.
Watch This Episode On YouTubeIf you watch IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT (2023), you might get an idea about the director, and guess he has a cinematographer's eye for visuals and a humanist's approach to connecting with people. This episode proves that assessment right about director Stephen Gerard Kelly.IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT is described as "a portrait of modern-day Lebanon as seen through the eyes of four families living in the backdrop of an infamous massacre in 1982." It's visually stunning and Stephen calls it a "bit of an emotional juggernaut."It doesn't hold back, and neither does Stephen. If you haven't seen the film, go rent it, come back, and let's talk about one of the best films of 2023. In this episode, Stephen and I talk about:how he successfully utilized the cinematography of IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT to take his documentary to an extraordinary level of craftsmanship -- "I had been in New York for five years very much inspired by many great photojournalist and documentary photographers who would be in and around New York and I learned a lot"; his fluency in five (more?) different languages and does he see filmmaking as another way of communicating with the world? "How do you connect with the humanity in all of us? It's completely a language in its own right";what should people expect to see when they watch IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT? "It's a quality documentary that is a bit of an emotional juggernaut";his advice for moving from cinematography to directing -- "Open up. Trust people. It's a lonely road when you're walking alone for years";how did he blend in -- or not -- in a film about Lebanon? "Look at me, a red bearded, giant leprechaun" "It's about connection and being genuine with people and learning their language, which isn't easy";his feelings about the Oscars and the awards process in indie filmmaking -- he doesn't mince words! "Fuck the Oscars"; "As soon as I went into it and I saw the publicists turning their nose about the very meager budget comparatively that Screen Ireland offered up";the challenges of streaming and diluting independent filmmaking;what is he working on now and his process for filmmaking;fatherhood, the documentary film world, and how it influences his world and changed his perspective, especially on female filmmakers.Links:Watch IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT (2023) NowFollow Stephen On InstagramStephen Gerard Kelly's WebsiteWatch This Episode On YouTube Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
In May earlier this year in Ballina Arts Centre, we were thrilled to host Local Voices, Global Stories: Celebrating Screen Creative Talent in partnership with Mayo-based production company HeartFelt Drama and the National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama and Film Mayo. This live event consisted of two panels which showcased the work of talented producers, creators and writers; celebrating creative voices and spotlighting the wonderful work being achieved out of the West of Ireland. In this Film Ireland podcast, we are delighted to bring you an edited recording of the second panel that took place – Producing: People, Projects, Partnerships featuring: Jennifer Davidson (Writers' Guild of Ireland Chair and HeartFelt Drama Founder / Director) Roisin Geraghty (A Want In Her, Sunlight) Vanessa Gildea (IADT, Documentary & Film) Gar O'Brien-Collins (Western Region Audiovisual Producers Fund) Niamh Fagan (Screen Ireland) This event was supported by WDM Entertainment and Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Galway. The National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama is an initiative of Screen Ireland and is managed by Ardán. Film Mayo promotes filmmaking in the beautiful County of Mayo in the West of Ireland.
In a challenging environment for the games industry, Ireland is creating "incredible incentives and structures" to support and "elevate" Irish game developers in "the way they deserve to be uplifted". This was the observation of Xalavier Nelson Jr., the BAFTA-nominated and Forbes 30 under 30 Studio Head of game developer and publisher Strange Scaffold, one of the key speakers at the FÍS Games Summit 2025, which took place last weekend in Galway, Ireland. Mr Nelson was responding to the announcement at the Summit of the Digital Games Portfolio, a major new fund designed to further develop and strengthen the Irish games industry's rapidly growing international reputation. The Digital Games Portfolio is a €500,000 funding scheme, launched by Screen Ireland, and which will be managed by Ardán, the Galway based organisation supporting creatives in film, TV, games, and animation, and Imirt, the national organisation for game developers and creators in Ireland. The DGP will fund a variety of new initiatives, the first of which will be IndieDev 2025, a cross-border prototype fund in collaboration with NI Screen to help teams of creators turn their game ideas into prototypes. The fund will also see Dublin and Galway become 'incubators' to support individuals at the early stage of their careers. There will also be a pilot development fund targeting established Irish game studios, to allow them develop IP within their work spaces. The funding comes at what Ardán CEO, Alan Duggan, called a "pivotal" moment and "an inflection point" in the Irish games industry. "There's a tremendous enthusiasm and vigour in the Irish games industry," he said. "We're swelling into a wave and that's really running contrary to a lot of what's happening internationally." Colm Larkin, CEO of Imirt, said: "At a State level, Ireland is looking at games and games developers as a culturally relevant art form and is saying, 'Yes, we need to support this.' This is just going to be the first step towards really growing our sector." The Minister for Arts, Culture, Media, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan TD said: "The international games industry represents a huge contestable market, one in which Ireland can excel based on our technical, design and storytelling competencies. This funding combined with the recently introduced tax credit for games are key steps along the government's path to developing a national strategy for games." The future of the industry, AI, and creativity In his address, Xalavier Nelson Jr., said the games industry "makes miraculous art" but is poor at delivering on time, within budget, and in certain instances, quality. He noted how missing deadlines and exceeding budgets has become normalised within the industry, and said current industry models often prioritise long development cycles for single projects, leading to burnout and limiting opportunities for artists to experiment. He called on game developers to recognise they are artists, but also encouraged them to develop a strong business sense, in order to "confront these realities". Industry legend Tom Hall (Commander Keen, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom), who now works in Ireland as Design Lead at the Galway based Romero Games, explored the creative process. He encouraged game developers to embrace 'Drift Time', his concept of allowing the mind to wander freely in order to create. He encouraged Summit attendees to "play around with an idea" especially if it "may make you feel uncomfortable". Hall also advised developers to take a 'bottom-up' approach to game creation, in order to work out core gameplay issues and mechanics, instead of top-down design, where the story and universe are prioritised. AI and its role in the Games Industry was addressed by Finlay MacAree, Technical Director at Xbox Game Studios. He said while AI can enhance the creative process by generating ideas, assets, or code, allowing developers to focus on higher-level design and storytelling, AI itself "will never repl...
In the Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Stephen Bradley , Director of 'Fran the Man'. Comedy mockumentary Fran the Man is based on the much-loved original TV show ‘Fran' which aired on Setanta Sports and TV3 from 2009-2011. Darragh Humphreys reprises his starring role as Fran Costello which sees him working undercover to save the beautiful game from match-fixing. Humphreys is joined by an ensemble of Irish comedic talent including Ardal O'Hanlon, Amy Huberman, Risteárd Cooper, Toni O'Rourke and Deirdre O'Kane. Directed by Stephen Bradley & Written by Richie Conroy. Fran the Man is produced by Collie McCarthy of Forty Foot Pictures with support from Screen Ireland and RTÉ. In cinemas from 11th April 2025.
The plan to put a levy on Netflix and other streamers to support independent Irish productions has been squished by the Minister for Media.Patrick O'Donovan has said that people are already paying enough for streaming services, but is he right?Joining Kieran to discuss is Larry Bass, CEO of production company ShinAWil and former board member of Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
In partnership with Screen Ireland, we are delighted to present Screen Sessions – a series of in-depth conversations on craft between talent from the Screen industries. In this very special podcast, Director & Editor Breege Rowley talks to fellow Editor Jérôme Eltabet, who worked on one of the standout films of 2024, The Substance, which received 5 Oscar nominations, including best picture. Breege and Jérôme discuss the building of scenes in The Substance as well as the craft of editing as they share advice on breaking into the industry. Screen Sessions are supported by the Audience Development Fund. https://www.screenireland.ie/ https://filmireland.net/
Freud - Jenseits des Glaubens Originaltitel: Freud's Last Session Kinostart in Deutschland: 19.12.2024 Laufzeit: 1h 50m Produktion: Sony Pictures Classics, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, West End Films, 14 Sunset, Media Finance Capital, Golden Horde Entertainment, Global Screen Fund, Lipsync Productions, M.Y.R.A. Entertainment Verleih: X-Verleih Regie: Matthew Brown Drehbuch: Mark St. Germain, Matthew Brown, Armand M. Nicholi Jr. Besetzung: Anthony Hopkins, Matthew Goode, Liv Lisa Fries, Jodi Balfour, Jeremy Northam, Orla Brady, Stephen Campbell Moore, David Shields, Anna Amalie Blomeyer Offizielle Webseite: X-Verleih Inhalt London, 3. September 1939. Soeben ist der Zweite Weltkrieg ausgebrochen. Sigmund Freud (ANTHONY HOPKINS) ist mit seiner Tochter Anna Freud (LIV LISA FRIES) vor dem Nazi-Regime aus Wien geflohen. Anna, selbst Psychoanalytikerin, unterstützt ihren Vater bedingungslos, kämpft aber auch um die Anerkennung ihrer eigenen Bedürfnisse. Wenige Tage vor seinem Tod stattet ein Gelehrter vom College der University of Oxford Freud einen Besuch ab: C.S. Lewis (MATTHEW GOODE), der später mit „Die Chroniken von Narnia“ Weltruhm erlangen wird. An diesem Tag liefern sich zwei große Denker des zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts einen kontroversen Diskurs über Liebe, den Glauben, die Zukunft der Menschheit und die für sie alles entscheidende Frage: Gibt es einen Gott? Basierend auf einem fiktiven Treffen zweier großer Denker verwebt FREUD – JENSEITS DES GLAUBENS Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Fantasie und bricht aus der Enge von Freuds Arbeitszimmer auf zu einer dynamischen Reise mit Gesprächen über das Diesseits und das Jenseits. Aus dem historischen Moment des Films heraus spiegeln sich auch aktuelle Konflikte wider. Zwei berühmte Intellektuelle versuchen, den freien Willen, den Glauben und di Freud - Jenseits des Glaubens - ist ein fiktives Historiendrama, das auf dem Theaterstück "Freud's Last Session" basiert. Es zeigt ein imaginäres Gespräch zwischen Sigmund Freud (Anthony Hopkins) und C.S. Lewis (Matthew Goode) am 3. September 1939 in London. Die beiden diskutieren über Themen wie Liebe, Glauben und die Existenz Gottes, während Freud an Krebs leidet und Lewis den Krieg überwindet. Der Film konzentriert sich auf die intellektuellen Auseinandersetzungen und die schauspielerischen Leistungen der Hauptdarsteller. Kraven - The Hunter ist ein Action-Abenteuerfilm, der die Geschichte von Sergei Kravinoff erzählt, einem ehemaligen Jäger, der sich in die Welt der Superhelden und Superschurken verstrickt. Die Hauptrolle spielt Aaron Taylor-Johnson („Bullet Train“). An seiner Seite zu sehen sind Ariana DeBose („Argylle“), Fred Hechinger („The Woman in the Window“), Alessandro Nivola („The Many Saints of Newark“), Christopher Abbott („Poor Things“) und Russell Crowe („The Pope's Exorcist“) u.v.m. Carry-on ist ein Mystery-Thriller von Jaume Collet-Serra. Der Actionfilm mit Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson und Danielle Deadwyler in den Hauptrollen wurde Mitte Dezember 2024 in das Programm von Netflix aufgenommen. Für den Mitarbeiter der Flugsicherheit ist plötzlich alles anders, als ein mysteriöser Fremder ihn zu seiner Marionette machen und ihn dazu zwingen will, ein gefährliches Paket die Sicherheitskontrolle passieren zu lassen. Um seiner Forderung Nachdruck zu verleihen, droht der Unbekannte damit, seine Freundin zu ermorden, sollte Ethan nicht tun, was er ihm sagt. Ethan steht vor einem Dilemma: schreitet er nicht ein, werden viele Unschuldige sterben. Tut er nichts, wird Nora das Opfer des Attentäters werden. Außerdem sprechen wir über die wichtigsten Serien Neustarts der Woche und losen den/die Gewinner/in von unserem Gewinnspiel zum 2. Advent aus. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Einleitung 00:02:12 Freud - Jenseits des Glaubens 00:16:11 Tipps für die nächste Sneak 00:18:28 Kraven - The Hunter 00:29:38 Kinocharts und Neustarts 00:36:45 Carry-on 00:46:38 Serien Neustarts 00:48:21 Auslosung Gewinnspiel 2. Advent 00:51:03 Musiktipps
In partnership with Screen Ireland, we are delighted to present Screen Sessions – a series of in-depth conversations on craft between emerging and established talent from the Irish Screen industries. In this episode, Niall Murphy and Ed Guiney reflect on Ed's career in production, which includes co-founding film and television production company, Element Pictures, 3 Oscar nominations and global success. Screen Sessions are supported by the Audience Development Fund.
In partnership with Screen Ireland, we are delighted to present Screen Sessions – a series of in-depth conversations on craft between emerging and established talent from the Irish Screen industries. In this episode, Abby Greene and Richard Baneham discuss the world of VFX. Richard reflects on his career to date his career, which includes 2 Oscar wins for his work on Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, and provides insight into the industry and his art. https://filmireland.net/
The Apprentice isn't a movie about the reality TV series that made its presenter, New York businessman Donald Trump, a star. Instead it tracks the relationship from the early 1970s to the mid-1980s, between Trump (Sebastian Stan) as a young man desperate for acknowledgment, fame and wealth and the legendary lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), a whatever-it-takes fixer for a host of shady clients, including the mob.It is Trump who is the apprentice here, eagerly learning from an amoral master and latching on to a particular style of “winning”.This vivid, sometimes fun, always compelling telling (written by journalist Gabriel Sherman and directed by Iranian film-maker Ali Abbasi) won an eight-minute standing ovation when it premiered in Cannes in May but as Irish Times culture columnist Hugh Linehan explains, its path to global cinema screens was fraught as distributors backed away from what they feared could be trouble if Trump is re-elected.Screen Ireland came on board to help finance the distribution.But what does the film ultimately say about Trump? And will it have any impact on the election?Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Film Ireland podcast Dolapo Agunbiade talks to Writer/Director Eva Birthistle and Actor Hazel Doupe; and Gemma Creagh talks to Producer Claire McCaughley about their film Kathleen Is Here. Kathleen (Hazel Doupe) is 18 and fresh out of foster care. She returns to her hometown to take ownership of her deceased mother's house. She gets a job and even a friend; but the emptiness of Kathleen's life cannot be filled by social media and reality shows. Alone and desperate for a mother figure, she sets out on a destructive path to find one. Starring Hazel Doupe, Clare Dunne, Peter Coonan, Aaron Monaghan and Liadán Dunlea. Kathleen Is Here is written and directed by Eva Birthistle and produced by Claire McCaughley for Treasure Entertainment with backing from Screen Ireland. In cinemas from 18th October 2024. Read a review of Kathleen Is Here https://filmireland.net/2024/10/18/review-kathleen-is-here/ https://filmireland.net/
In this episode of Film Ireland presents, Gemma Creagh talks with BAFTA-nominated writer/director Virginia Gilbert about her powerful and evocative film Reawakening. Virginia Gilbert is an award-winning, BAFTA and IFTA nominated writer and director. Her screenwriting work has been placed on the BritList and she was named as a 'Star of Tomorrow' by Screen International. Her debut short as writer-director, Hesitation, won numerous awards internationally and was nominated for a BAFTA and an IFTA. Her debut feature A Long Way From Home, starring Academy-Award winner Brenda Fricker, BAFTA winner James Fox and Natalie Dormer, was nominated for the Michael Powell award for Best British Feature. Recent work includes the two-part series finale of BBC One's Silent Witness – Betrayal; award-winning Screen Ireland short Day Out, starring Martin McCann and Alisha Weir and Home, starring Max Irons, currently on the festival circuit. Previous television credits include Lord Haw-Haw for RTE 1; Money, Money, Money, RTE 2; the award-winning series Whores and IFTA-nominated series An Irish State of Mind for TG4. Virginia is also a published author. Her fiction work has featured on BBC Radio 4 and her debut novel, Travelling Companion, has been optioned for screen. Reawakening is her second feature as writer-director and her first as producer.
In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Aoife Kelleher, Director of Mrs Robinson. Mrs Robinson tells Mary's story, in her own words, for the very first time - illuminating battles for justice and equality over half a century; on the streets, in the courts, at the ballot box, and in backroom corridors of power. A reforming constitutional lawyer and senator in her early career, Mary Robinson detonated an electoral earthquake by winning the Irish Presidential vote in 1990. Later, as a crusading UN High Commissioner, she built a lasting legacy; fearlessly challenging perpetrators of human rights abuses all over the world.To this day, she exerts power and leadership as the Chair of The Elders; the independent group of global leaders (founded by Nelson Mandela) who work for peace, justice and human rights. As an influential global voice, Mary Robinson is also spearheading Project Dandelion: a women-led climate justice campaign. Mrs Robinson was directed by Aoife Kelleher and produced by Cormac Hargaden and Trisha Canning for Loosehorse. Executive Producers on the film include Pat Mitchell (co-founder of Project Dandelion), Geralyn Dreyfous, Lyn Lear, Regina K. Scully, Ruth Ann Harnisch and Melony Lewis. The film was funded by Fís Éireann /Screen Ireland and the Fiscal Sponsorship programme of the Utah Film Center.
In partnership with Screen Ireland, we are delighted to present Screen Sessions – a series of in-depth conversations on craft between emerging and established talent from the Irish Screen industries. In this episode, Nora Twomey and Jessica Patterson shine a light on the animation industry and paths into it, and discuss their respective careers and delve into the creative processes behind their filmmaking. This discussion has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. The next Screen Sessions podcast will be available in August and the series will culminate in a live event later this year. Subscribe to our newsletter here and never miss another event - https://filmireland.net/newsletter/ https://filmireland.net/
Louise Ryan from Screen Ireland discusses the newly launched National Talent Academy for Visual Effects.
In this podcast in partnership with the Galway Film Fleadh, Gemma Creagh talks to Steven McKenna, Writer & Director and Jaro Waldeck DOP of Dreamtown, which is screening at this year's festival (9-14 July 2024). An aging rocker who never realised his dreams is forced to come to terms with his failures as he tries to start a relationship with his estranged son. A coming of age drama in the mind of a 56 year old. Dreamtown screens at Galway Film Fleadh 2024 on Saturday 13th July at 2pm. https://www.galwayfilmfleadh.com Steven McKenna Steven McKenna is an award-winning filmmaker based in Dublin, Ireland. Since graduating from college, he has been crafting his own films, earning numerous accolades at festivals nationwide. His debut feature film, Dreamtown, which he wrote, produced, and directed, will premiere at the prestigious 36th Galway Film Festival. His recent short films, Rum & Raisin and The Work Party, have won him Best Irish Short and Best Comedy awards, respectively, while his other works have garnered multiple nominations. Another short film, Lover Boy, became an online sensation, amassing over a million views. Steven's passion for film shines through in his creation of compelling, larger-than-life characters whose tragic stories resonate deeply with audiences and leave a lasting impression. An avid movie collector, he brings a rich understanding of cinema to his work. In addition to writing and directing, Steven has composed music for all his films and has been sought after for other projects. Notably, he composed the entire score for the indie feature Follow The Dead. Jaro Waldeck Jaro earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Cinematography from Columbia College Chicago and Film and TV Academy of Performing Arts Prague (FAMU), respectively. Her main body of work consists of low budget short live-action films as well as music videos and longer form documentaries. In 2023, Jaro transitioned into features, having worked on the Screen Ireland funded documentary Housewife of the Year and independent drama Dreamtown. Listen to our former chat with Jaro here: https://filmireland.net/2019/07/01/jaro-waldeck-cinematographer/
In partnership with Screen Ireland, we are delighted to launch our inaugural Screen Sessions - a series of in-depth conversations on craft between emerging and established talent from the Irish Screen industries. Our first podcast of the series will tackle the art of writing for the screen. It's been 20 years since the iconic Adam and Paul took the nation by storm and redefined Irish cinema for the next generation. Join actor and writer Mark O'Halloran in conversation with writer/filmmaker Katie McNeice as they delve into their creative journeys as well as the twists and turns they faced along the way. This discussion has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. The next Screen Sessions podcast will be available in July and the series will culminate in a live event later this year. Subscribe to our newsletter here and never miss another event: https://filmireland.net/newsletter/
In this podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Marian Quinn, Writer/Director of Twig. Twig, a powerful retelling of the Greek tragedy Antigone, is set in Dublin's inner city where an ancient city wall cordons off a neighbourhood which is rife with drugs. When the local crime lord, Leon (O'Byrne) vows to let her brother Paulie's body rot in the street, Twig (Malone), young and iron-willed, defiantly sets out to do the right thing. The tragedy which unfolds inexorably, pits the two figures against each other, building relentlessly as grief, love, hope and despair collide in a dramatic conclusion against the backdrop of Dublin's docklands. Written and directed by Marian Quinn, Twig stars Sade Malone (Tin Star, Pistol) opposite BAFTA-winning, Tony Award-winning and Emmy nominated Brían F. O'Byrne (Little Boy Blue, Million Dollar Baby). Quinn previously wrote and directed the coming-of-age feature 32A which won the Best First Feature Award at the Galway Film Fleadh. Produced by Ruth Carter for Blue Ink Films (Lies We Tell, Damo & Ivor – The Movie) and Tommy Weir for Janey Pictures (32A), Twig is funded by Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, RTÉ and Wildcard Distribution. In cinemas from 21st June 2024. https://filmireland.net/
In this episode of The DocArena Podcast, Ross Whitaker talks to Colm Quinn about his documentary Ransom '79, Ransom '79 tells the story of legendary Irish reporter Charlie Bird and his determination to break one final story before his life is cut short by Motor Neurone Disease. Charlie's sources have given him an extraordinary true crime story, one that had remained secret for decades – the attempt by a criminal gang to extort millions from the Irish government. The disease has already taken Charlie's voice. But clever use of technology means he can still do interviews – using a voice app on his ipad – and, even as his strength falters, he keeps chasing the story. Ransom '79 charts Charlie's investigation and reconstructs a scarcely-believable sequence of events that led from farce to tragedy, in a very different Ireland. But beneath it all, the film is an exploration of how one man confronting his own mortality can find respite in doing the thing he loves, even in the most terrible of circumstances. Ransom '79 is directed by Colm Quinn and is produced by John Kelleher and David Power with backing from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, Virgin Media, Derrin Group and S481. In cinemas 24th May 2024. https://filmireland.net/ Welcome to The DocArena Podcast in association with Film Ireland. My name is Ross Whitaker and every fortnight, I want to dig deeply into the motivations of documentary filmmakers – how do they choose their subject material and what approaches and strategies do they employ to fund, craft and distribute their work…
In this podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Simon Chambers, the Director of Screen Ireland supported documentary 'Much Ado About Dying. Filmmaker Simon finds his life drastically interrupted when he is called back to London from India to care for his retired bohemian gay actor Uncle David. Everything that could go wrong does go wrong. David's anarchic spirit is unbreakable. He fights with Simon, refusing to go into a care home, insisting on dying in the squalor of his unheated tumble-down house. He can't remember where he put his false teeth but he still knows nearly all the lines from his beloved Shakespeare plays. David's real life starts to echo "King Lear", the play about an old man going mad and giving his kingdom away, as David starts giving away thousands of pounds to a hot sexy "helper". How do we deal with and care for our relatives who are living longer than ever? How does Simon help David to have a good death? Much Ado About Dying is in cinemas from 10th May2024. The special event screenings taking place are the following Irish Film Institute, Dublin - Q&A 10th May Palás Cinema, Galway - Q&A 11th May Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin - Q&A 12th May Omniplex Limerick - Q&A 13th May Omniplex Cork - Q&A 14th May Omniplex Rathmines, Dublin - Q&A 17th May Omniplex Belfast - Q&A 18th May Queens Film Theatre, Belfast - Q&A 19th May Century Cinema, Letterkenny - Q&A 19th May Omniplex Derry - Q&A 20th May
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/
In this episode of The DocArena Podcast, Ross Whitaker talks to Andrew Gallimore about his documentary One Night In Millstreet. One Night In Millstreet is the story of Ireland in 1995, a snapshot of a country told through a high stakes prize fight in Millstreet, Cork between the then unknown underdog Steve ‘The Celtic Warrior' Collins and the larger-than-life champion Chris ‘Simply The Best' Eubank - an against-all-odds sporting event that had an entire nation gripped and on the edge of its seat. The film, which won the Audience Award at the Cork International Film Festival and the Best Documentary award at the Irish Film Festival London, features interviews with the rivals themselves Steve Collins and Chris Eubank along with Irish boxing legend Barry McGuigan, Chris Eubank's former manager Barry Hearn, writer Paul Howard and Tony Quinn, Steve Collins' Mind Trainer. One Night In Millstreet was produced by Morgan Bushe and Peter Murnaghan for Fastnet Films and Proposition Films with funding from Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, Coimisiún Na Meán and RTÉ. One Night In Millstreet is released in cinemas on 5th April 2024. https://filmireland.net/
Jo Linehan fills us in on efforts being made in the TV & film industry towards sustainability with Netflix and Screen Ireland leading the charge with some cool initiatives.
Hello again tribe and welcome to season 5 of Poz Vibe Podcast. In this episode we talked to the director of new film ‘Pregnant with a Drag Queen' Colin Brady and Adrian Duggan (a former guest on this pod) who plays a young Veda in the docu-drama. The film tells the story of one Enda Mc Grattan a.k.a our leader Veda Lady, as a queer person growing up in 1990's Dublin. The project, a winner of Virgin Media Discovers competition, in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is produced by Taller Stories. It premieres at the Dublin International Film Festival this month and will be broadcast on Virgin Media One on Tuesday, February 27th at 11pm. We can't wait to watch! Love, Veda and Robbie. Poz Vibe Podcast is a Veda Lady and Robbie Lawlor production. Our continuity announcers are Anne Doyle and Ana Matronic Thank you to our sponsors Dublin Pride who make this series possible. Episodes are produced by Veda and Robbie with production assistance and editing by Esther O'Moore Donohoe. Artwork, social media assets and merch all created by the dazzling Lavender The Queen.
In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Ian Hunt-Duffy about his debut feature Double Blind. Double Blind is in Irish cinemas from Friday 9th February and is available on demand and digital February from 13th. Directed by Ian Hunt-Duffy and written by the award-winning screenwriter Darach McGarrigle and starring British actress Millie Brady (The Last Kingdom, The Queen's Gambit, Roadkill) alongside horror icon Pollyanna McIntosh (Vikings: Valhalla, The Walking Dead, The Woman), Double Blind follows seven young test subjects who must face a terrifying side effect when an experimental drug trial goes horribly wrong – if you fall asleep you die. Trapped in an isolated medical facility, they must find a way to escape, and somehow manage to stay awake. The feature which was filmed in Limerick and Dublin had its world premiere Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) last year and has gone on to screen at numerous festivals across the globe including Leeds Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, Galway Film Fleadh and Belfast Film Festival. Produced by Simon James Doyle for Dublin-based production company Failsafe Films in association with Los Angeles-based indie genre production company Epic Pictures Group and Screen Ireland.
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.
Screen Ireland is launching its 2024 Slate of over 40 Film, TV Drama, Documentary and Animation Projects today! Louise Ryan, Screen Ireland Spokesperson told Newstalk Breakfast what can we expect.
In this Film Ireland Podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Lisa Mulcahy Director of 'Lies We Tell'. Lies We Tell is a a contained psychological thriller about a gaslit girl's break for freedom. Maud (Agnes O'Casey), an orphaned heiress living alone in an isolated manor, must fight her charming and dangerous Uncle (David Wilmot) for her inheritance— and her life. Lies We Tell also stars Holly Sturton and Chris Walley, is written by Elisabeth Gooch, produced by Ruth Carter of Blue Ink Films with backing from Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland. Stripped-down, gritty, and all-too-contemporary: this is not a frocks-and-bonnets period picture but a taut, propulsive, fight to the death. Lies We Tell is in cinemas from 13th October 2023.
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/
Eleanor is based in Limerick city, working fulltime for Adult Continuing Education at University College Cork (ACE at UCC). She has a Bachelor of Arts (hons) degree (Media Communications and Philosophy) and a Master of Arts (by research) from Mary Immaculate College (University of Limerick). She is currently doing her PhD by research in Maynooth University. She also has a Postgraduate (Level 9) Diploma in Teaching and Learning for Third Level from UCC and has two national forum badges in teaching through digital media. Eleanor is the Programme Coordinator and lecturer on the Diploma in Autism Studies and the Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming. She lectures, part-time, on the Diploma in Disability Studies, Certificate in Mental Health in the Community, the Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion and workshops on Advocacy and Neurodiversity. She is Programme Coordinator/Designer of the Certificate Professional Development in Neurodiversity in the Screen Industry (with Screen Ireland), Certificate in Professional Development in Advocacy, Wellbeing Coordinator pilot programme (with Screen Ireland) and the pilot programme in Neurodiversity in Human Resources, all with ACE at UCC. She also lectures and is a dissertation supervisor on the Professional Master of Education (Primary and Post Primary) with Hibernia College Dublin. Previously, she lectured on film and media with Limerick and Clare Education Training Board and Maynooth University. Her other areas of speciality are: policy and practice, the law and autism, representation of autism in the media, Neurodiversity, the concepts of mental health, film scriptwriting, journalism, philosophy, creative, script and academic writing. Eleanor co-founded the Special Needs Parents Association of Ireland with other parents in 2010, she was its first vice-chair, policy officer, moderated its social media and was on its executive. She was a full-time carer to her autistic son. The group helped over 57,000 families in the years it operated, unfortunately it closed in 2020. She has worked with and represented other disability groups both nationally/locally in the Irish media. She is also a well-known mental health and disability rights activist. She also cofounded the Limerick Arts and Culture Exchange (LACE), which advocates and supports for the cultural community in Limerick County Ireland. eleanor.mcsherry@ucc.ie ................ This podcast is for information purposes only and represents the views and opinions of the speakers. Always use your own discernment in relation to anything discussed. Any information presented relating to any aspect of health & well being is for information purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. ...............
Susan Bergin, Chairperson of Screen Ireland, reacts to An Irish Goodbye winning an Oscar as well as Dubliner Richard Baneham.
We talk to Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive of Screen Ireland.