Cork has a vibrant film industry, attracting both national and international productions throughout the city and county.
However, there is potential for it to grow even more. To realise this, a dedicated group of film-makers has come together to establish Screen Cork, an organisation focused on transforming the place into a filmmaking hub.
The Cork producer and actor Sinéad O’Riordan has added board member to her resume, and as a founding member of Screen Cork, says the timing is perfect to get Cork’s film industry the attention it deserves.
“Our mission is to transform Cork into a film-making hub where all knowledge about ongoing film projects is centralised,” she explained.
“We aim to be the go-to resource for anyone seeking information or resources related to films being shot in the area.
“To achieve this, we plan to establish a database for crew members and actors, detailing their availability and skills.
“Additionally, we want to create a local rental service for essential filmmaking equipment, eliminating the need to source basic necessities from outside Cork.”
When people think of film-making, they often overlook the logistics that go on behind the scenes. O’Riordan says many elements need to be considered, and that Screen Cork will help film-makers get access.
O’Riordan’s film, Swing Bout, was filmed at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. She saw first-hand the difficulties in acquiring the essentials needed for a cast and crew. She hopes to see Screen Cork streamline the production set-up process and make it easier for Cork talent to work at home.
“I had to bring a crew down from Dublin. I had to find accommodation and feed them, so we needed resources for film catering, portable toilets, and all the essential items that can be challenging to arrange,” said O’Riordan.
“With our initiative, we will create databases and contacts that will make it easier for all productions, especially smaller or independent ones that don’t have a Hollywood budget, to facilitate these needs.”
O’Riordan highlights that Cork has abundant talent both on screen and behind the scenes, but often crew members need to leave the county for work. Screen Cork aims to change this situation.
“We have students coming out of college in Cork, trained as crew and cast, they have to go into Dublin and further for work, because the work isn’t there. Now, productions are coming in, but not at the rate they should be.
“Up until now, there hasn’t been a single body that can advocate for productions coming in. There is no central place where we can gather and then disperse the information. If producers knew the talent available in Cork, they would be drawn in; it is about raising our profile and liaising with the right people.”
The producer says Cork’s film industry could rival Dublin and Wicklow. With high-profile shows like Bodkin being made here by companies like Netflix, it is essential to capitalise on the attention now.
“Cork currently lacks a film officer and a dedicated film space, but our goal is to promote local talent and encourage film-making in the region.
“We want to attract larger productions to Cork, like what has been achieved in Dublin and Wicklow. There is no reason we can’t do this; we have the talent and the stunning backdrops, both in the city and throughout the county.”
O’Riordan, who comes from Cork city, says her home place has a rich history of successful film and television production, but it needs to be promoted.
“What we need now is to raise awareness, promote our strengths, work with local and national authorities, and gather enough attention to establish a film officer and the necessary resources to maximise what we already have.”
O’Riordan says the idea for Screen Cork came from a meeting with Benjamin Rupprecht, a Cork-based German film-maker who runs Cork’s monthly film talk Out Of Frame, and Jamie Hooper, a film-maker and founder of Picture House Cork.
“We clicked, the three of us, and we were realising that Cork was really on the cusp of something. There is so much talent here, and film-making is trickling in,” said O’Riordan.
“We have the very successful The Young Offenders, which has brought so much work to the city, and West Cork Studios is a massive boost for the west of the county, but we need so much more.
“After talking to many other people in Cork’s film-making community, we realised how much energy is present now for something like Screen Cork.”
The film-makers Cian Desmond and Steve Broekhuizen have joined O’Riordan, Hooper, and Rupprecht on the board of Screen Cork.
O’Riordan says that they collectively bring years of industry knowledge to the table.
“We have all worked in different areas of film for many years. We have enough experience to make something like this work, and we have the energy to do it.
“We have also spoken with film lecturers, county councils, Screen Ireland, fellow actors, and producers to make sure we are creating something that works for the whole community.
“This is a massive opportunity for everyone involved, from those who work on set design to local catering companies.”
Screen Cork also aims to provide training and bursaries for film students.
“Upskilling and training are vital, so we will work with training bodies,” said O’Riordan.
“We aim to introduce a bursary to support students and ensure all voices are heard, which is why we are keen to introduce an Irish language initiative.
“Cork talent is world-class; we need others to see it.”
