Three Mid-West Producers Travel to the European Film Market to Pitch Projects as part of Film in Limerick Delegation.
Three locally-based film producers selected to join this year’s Film in Limerick Delegation to the European Film Market, have been pitching their projects to film financiers in Berlin.
The training initiative by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick, in partnership with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, selected local producers, Melissa Collins, Grainne Carroll and Steve Hall, to attend the international film market.
Taking place alongside the Berlinale Film Festival, the European Film Market (EFM) is one of the top film markets in the world. Attended by over 8,300 international industry professionals including 1,500 buyers and more than 480 exhibitors, the EFM is where independent film producers find partners and finance to make their projects a reality.
Commenting on the initiative, Regional Film Manager Paul C. Ryan said: “It’s fantastic to continue our partnership with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board to offer this chance for new producers to experience a working film and TV market. The participants attend industry training events and learn how to attract finance for their future projects. With the support of the ETB our participants are able to build their networks and knowledge at an international level.”
This year’s delegation already have a wealth of experience in the industry. Melissa Collins, a graduate of Creative Broadcast and Film Production at TUS, has produced several high-profile short films including the documentary ‘Vonnie Ireland’s Forgotten Fashion Icon’ and the upcoming Engine short film ‘Baps and Buns’. Grainne Carroll has worked as a line producer on several features and TV series including the AppleTV+ show ‘Foundation, filmed at Troy Studios, and the recently broadcast RTÉ drama series ‘Obituary’. Steve Hall, has worked as both a director of the successful features, ‘Nightshift’ and ‘The Gates’ as well as producing the recently filmed pilot TV show, ‘Wayfinders’, made at Troy Studios and throughout the region.
Commenting on the initiative, Eimear Brophy, Further Education and Training Manager, Enterprise Engagement, at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board said: “We are delighted to continue this innovative initiative with Film in Limerick providing skills development training to producers who are developing their feature and TV projects. Along with our other film training supports, we are working to address skills gaps and to create pathways into working in the screen industries in the Mid-West.
Delegation participant Grainne Carroll commented: “I’m delighted to be included in the delegation to the European Film Market. Having the support from Film in Limerick and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, is crucial for creative producers like myself to gain the skills and experience to develop projects and to connect with the international industry.”
Delegation producer, Mellisa Collins said; “This is a wonderful opportunity to have as an emerging producer.Thanks to Film in Limerick and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board for making this happen. I’m looking forward to learning lots and developing new projects in the region.”
The 74th Berlin International Film Festival (known at Berlinale) kicked off on 15th February with the world premiere of ‘Small Things like These, starring and produced by Cillian Murphy and adapted from the book by Claire Keegan. ‘Small Things like These’, is the first ever Irish film to open the prestigious Film Festival.
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