THE LIMERICK Film Lab has announced the participants for its inaugural edition, taking place in Limerick this week.
The initiative, run by Film in Limerick, the film office for the Mid West of Ireland, is designed to foster collaboration between first and second-time feature producers, who are based in Ireland, Scotland, or Canada.
Taking place at Innovate Limerick’s Engine Collaboration Centre in the city from July 6 to 9, Limerick Film Lab will serve as a space for creative exchange, fostering business opportunities across borders, and building lasting relationships between film producers from three culturally rich nations.
Developed in partnership with Screen Scotland and Picture NL (Newfoundland and Labrador’s film agency), participants will have the opportunity to take part in a series of workshops to stimulate creative partnerships, explore internationally focused business partnerships, and gain insights into each country’s funding landscapes.
Participants will also attend a number of networking events set against Limerick’s vibrant creative backdrop.
The selected Ireland-based producers are: Steve Hall (Dark Day Pictures), Anna Manion (Tri Moon Films), Melissa Collins (Bostwest Productions Lin Hong (Made Image), Tara Doolan (Honest Arts), and Lara Hickey (Copper Alley Productions).
The Scotland-based producers are: Reece Cargan (Randan), Lena Vurma (Skye Films), Zam Salim (Incidental Films), Laura McBride (Compact), Rakasree Basu (Momentum Films), and Ciara Barry (Barry Crerar)
The Canadian producers are: Wanda Nolan (Ruby Line Productions), Ruth Lawrence (Blue Pinion Films), Amanda Bulman (Melted Kettle Media), Tara Lee Gerhard (TL Productions), Mallory Horsman (Fireside Pictures), and Michael Peers (MUN)
Limerick Film Lab is led by Paul C Ryan of Film in Limerick, with Sarah Smyth and Leslie Finlay of Screen Scotland and Jennifer Dempsey and Laura Churchill of Picture NL in Canada.
Mr Ryan said “the Limerick Lab is all about connection – not just between filmmakers, but between cultures, storytelling traditions, and industry ecosystems”.
“The time is right to further develop our regional producers, supporting them to work on a bigger stage with international partners and bigger budgets. Building strong links with Scotland and Canada will help regional producers to attract the partners and international finance needed to realise their growth ambitions.
“It’s a huge opportunity to develop new business between the countries and to create work that can travel far beyond national borders.”
