Nurturing Talent in the West: Gar O'Brien Collins & Alan Duggan
'One of the key things that we find ourselves fighting is natural inertia'
The West of Ireland is experiencing a creative renaissance across film, television, animation, and gaming. In an episode of "Garry Talks: Film," Gar O’Brien Collins (Executive of the WRAP Fund and Commissioning Executive) and Alan Duggan (CEO of Ardán) offered a candid, in-depth look at the region’s evolving screen industry. Their conversation, rich with practical insights and hard-won lessons, is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Irish storytelling and the mechanics of building a sustainable, inclusive creative sector outside the capital.
This blog post breaks down the nuanced challenges and opportunities facing talent development in the West. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, a seasoned producer, or a policy advocate, you’ll find valuable guidance on navigating funding, building networks, and fostering local creativity with global reach.
The WRAP Fund: More Than Just Money
While often seen as a funding body, the WRAP Fund’s true impact lies in building creative capacity and nurturing talent across the West of Ireland.
What the WRAP Fund Does
Talent Development:
Supports both new entrants and established professionals through mentorship, training, and funding.Capacity Building:
Invests in infrastructure, skills, and networks to ensure the region can support sustained production activity.Inclusive Pathways:
Designs programmes with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), ensuring underrepresented voices are heard.
Actionable Advice
Seek Out WRAP-Funded Initiatives:
If you’re based in the West, explore WRAP’s schemes for short documentaries, the 40-hour challenge, and the Science on Screen initiative.Leverage Mentorship:
Apply for mentorship programmes, which pair emerging talent with experienced industry professionals for both practical and emotional support.Understand the Funding Landscape:
WRAP’s funding is often tied to specific outcomes and includes administration fees to ensure sustainability. When applying, be clear about your project’s impact and how it aligns with WRAP’s goals.
Building Sustainable Regional Production
Regional production faces unique financial and logistical challenges, but targeted support can make it viable and competitive.
The Regional Uplift and Economic Impact
Regional Uplift Tax Credit:
An automatic, agnostic incentive for productions outside Dublin and Wicklow, crucial for attracting inward investment and sustaining local crews.Economic Multiplier:
For every €1 invested by the Western Development Commission (WDC), the region sees a return of €9–€15, supporting local businesses and jobs.
Overcoming Financial Bias
Travel and Accommodation Costs:
Productions in the West must budget for crew travel and per diems, increasing costs by 8–12%. This can deter projects from choosing regional locations.Advocacy for Fairness:
Engage with local authorities and industry forums to push for more equitable funding and support structures.
Actionable Advice
Budget Realistically:
Factor in additional costs for regional shoots and seek out available incentives.Lobby for Support:
Join or support regional advocacy groups like the Western AV Forum to ensure your voice is heard at the national level.Build Local Networks:
Collaborate with local businesses and authorities to create a supportive ecosystem for production.
Inclusive Talent Pathways and Community Building
Clear, inclusive career pathways and a collaborative culture are essential for nurturing diverse talent and sustaining regional growth.
Creating Stepping Stones
Early-Stage Programmes:
Initiatives like the City of Film’s short documentaries and 40-hour challenge target first-time filmmakers, often with an EDI focus.Progression Routes:
Schemes like the documentary partnership with Quorum and the RTÉ Short Film initiative provide bridges to larger productions and national funding.
Fostering Community
Open, Collaborative Culture:
The Irish screen industry is known for its “give and give” ethos, with professionals supporting each other’s growth.Networking Events:
Summits like the National Television Summit and Games Summit are vital for building relationships, sharing knowledge, and sparking collaborations.
Actionable Advice
Participate in Local Events:
Attend summits, workshops, and networking sessions to build your professional network.Mentor and Be Mentored:
Both giving and receiving mentorship strengthens the community and accelerates learning.Champion Diversity:
Support initiatives that lower barriers for underrepresented groups, and be mindful of language and requirements in job postings.
The Realities of Producing: Resilience, Risk, and Reward
Success in the screen industry demands resilience, risk-taking, and a deep love for the craft - especially for regional producers.
The Producer’s Journey
Fighting for Funding:
Producers often spend years developing projects, with many never making it past the development stage.Thick Skin Required:
Rejection is common, and persistence is essential. Quick, honest feedback from funders is invaluable.Creative Drive:
Most producers are motivated by passion, not money. The work is often underpaid and requires immense dedication.
Actionable Advice
Embrace Feedback:
Seek out funders who provide timely, honest responses, and use feedback to refine your approach.Build Resilience:
Develop a support network of peers and mentors to help weather setbacks.Focus on the Craft:
Let your love for storytelling drive you, even when the business side is tough.
Infrastructure, Technology, and International Reach
Modern infrastructure and global connections are vital for the West’s continued growth as a creative hub.
Digital Tools and Databases
Screen West and Super Scout:
Efforts are underway to create a comprehensive, user-friendly database of locations and crew, making it easier for productions to find resources in the West.
International Collaboration
English-Speaking Advantage:
Ireland’s status as the only English-speaking EU country is a major asset for international co-productions.Cross-Border Networks:
Participation in European networks like REGGIO opens doors to new partnerships and funding opportunities.
Actionable Advice
Stay Informed:
Keep up with new tools and platforms that can help you showcase your work and connect with collaborators.Think Globally:
Position your projects for international markets by building relationships with partners abroad and attending key festivals and markets (with support from funds like WRAP where possible).
The Power of Returnable Series and Sustainable Ecosystems
Long-running series and consistent production activity are key to building a stable, skilled workforce and thriving regional industry.
The Value of Returnable Series
Stability for Crews:
Shows that return for multiple seasons provide ongoing employment and skill development.Community Impact:
Sustained production supports local businesses and keeps talent rooted in the region.
Actionable Advice
Develop Returnable Concepts:
When pitching, highlight the potential for your project to become a series or franchise.Engage Local Stakeholders:
Work with local authorities and businesses to demonstrate the long-term benefits of hosting productions.
Advocacy, Policy, and the Road Ahead
Ongoing advocacy and strategic policy engagement are essential to secure the future of the West’s screen industry.
The Role of Forums and Collectives
Western AV Forum:
Brings together producers, educators, and stakeholders to advocate for the region at a national level.Policy Engagement:
Active lobbying for improvements to the regional uplift and other incentives is crucial.
Actionable Advice
Get Involved:
Join industry forums and contribute to policy discussions.Stay Persistent:
Progress is often slow and requires sustained effort across generations.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The West of Ireland’s screen industry is at a pivotal moment. With the right mix of funding, infrastructure, mentorship, and advocacy, it can continue to nurture world-class talent and tell stories that resonate far beyond its borders. As Gar O’Brien Collins and Alan Duggan emphasise, this is a collective effort - one that requires resilience, creativity, and a commitment to inclusivity.
If you’re a creative, producer, or supporter in the region:
Explore the resources of the WRAP Fund, Screen Ireland, and Screen West.
Attend local industry events and summits.
Mentor others and seek mentorship.
Advocate for fair funding and regional support.
Share and celebrate the stories coming out of the West.
By working together, the West of Ireland can continue to build a vibrant, sustainable screen industry - one that honours its unique culture while reaching audiences around the world.
“Irish filmmaking should be an expression of all of us… Local films for a global audience.”