Women in Film and TV Podcast

June is pride month and to honour the LGBTQ+ community, we sat down with film and television editor, Theo Lindberg, vice-president of WIFT+ Sweden and founder of WIFT Trans. Theo discusses his work in the film industry and his journey in becoming a trans male. https://wft.ie/

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/

This February at Berlinale, our sister chapter WIFT Germany held a powerful series of talks titled "Between Escapism, Activism and Documentation – Filmmaking in Trembling Times". These examined the world today, where there seem to be new crises emerging daily – war, climate change, flight and displacement, and the resurgence of the far-right. All too often, women are the ones who suffer the most. In this podcast, WFT Ireland Member Gemma Creagh speaks with WIFT Germany Board Member and actor Mara Luka who talks about their vast chapter, the film industry in Germany, and WIFT's close ties to the Berlinale Festival. Then in a live recording from the event, outgoing Berlinale Executive Director Mariëtte Rissenbeek talks about WIFT's relationship to the festival while Producer Zhang Fan from Bridging the Dragon discusses the film landscape in China. This recording and podcast was made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán, WIFT Germany and Berlinale. Keep an eye out for part two, where we'll hear from our chair and WFT International President Dr Susan Liddy, from Ukrainian Filmmaker Julia Sinkevych and about an important study about Gender-Based Violence on German Television. https://wft.ie/ https://wiftg.de/ https://www.berlinale.de/en/home.html

Last December marked another excellent event for our annual Changemakers Series. In the wonderful venue of Windmill Lane, WFT Chair and President of WIFT International, Dr. Susan Liddy spoke with writer and producer Sally Abbott. Sally shared her experiences, challenges, and goals with our members, as well as the insights she's learned during her impressive career working across the UK's top shows. Supported by Coimisiún na Meán and hosted by Windmill Lane, the WFT Changemakers Series gives continuity and profile to women who have been instrumental in working towards the visibility of other women, supporting women filmmakers, and advocating for cultural change and equal opportunities, both nationally and internationally.

In the fourth installment of our Cannes Conversation Series, we look at the importance of sustainability. The future of the screen industry depends on consciously changing how we approach filming as well as telling stories that look at the world in a new way. At the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, Gemma Creagh caught up with Ecoprod's Alissa Aubenque, a producer and Green Film Production Expert about changes in production that can be made that make a real difference. Following this, in a conversation that was recorded last week, filmmaker and WFT member Maeve Stone walks with producer and activist Helene Granqvist about the ins and outs of developing sustainable narratives and the intersectionality of activism and art. This podcast has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund. https://wft.ie/

In this WFT Ireland Podcast, Project Manager Gemma Creagh spoke with one of our talented members, Actor and AD Rachel Morgan. Rachel wore multiple hats on top titles such as Disenchanted and The Pope’s Exorcist, and you might recognise her from her role on RTE's The Gone, which is returning soon for a second Series. In this discussion, we spoke with Rachel about her experience in the industry on both sides of the camera and what it's like working on sets big and small. Listen back here. This event has been made possible by the Screen Ireland Stakeholders fund. https://wft.ie

In the third of our Cannes Conversation Series, we look at working on long-form projects from a different viewpoint. At the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, Gemma Creagh caught up with anthropologist Rikke Flodin, a Senior Consultant working across AI in film audiences. Could this be a new way of developing your next film? Following this, recorded at a live webinar, WFT Board Member and DOP Jaro Waldeck was in conversation with Film Still Photographer Chiabella James (Dreamgirls, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) discussing everything from career to composition. This podcast has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund. https://wft.ie/

In this episode of the WFT Ireland Podcast Board Member and Producer Fiona Kinsella chats with two of our members who have produced feature films screening at this year's Dublin International Film Festival. Ruth Carther's Twig and Sinéad O'Riordan's Swing Bout will both be premiering at the festival. This podcast was made possible by Coimisiún na Meán. https://diff.ie/ https://wft.ie/

With the Dublin International Film Festival just a few days away, here at WFT, we are excited to celebrate all our members whose work has been selected as part of the festival! Listen back for a special WFT Ireland panel discussion where WFT Board Member Fiona Kinsella will sit down with some of the talented voices behind this year’s selection for the DIFF Shorts Programme: Alba Fernandez, DOP: Callus – Screen Ireland Shorts Programme 2 Naomi Sheridan, Writer/Director: Kiki – Virgin Media Discovers Shorts Programme Martina McGlynn, Director: Wrecker – Screen Ireland Shorts Programme 1 Natalie Britton, Actor/Producer: Two For The Road – Screen Ireland Shorts Programme 2 Hannah Mamalis, Writer/Director/Star: Baby Steps – Dublin On Screen 1 https://diff.ie/ https://wft.ie/

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.

At Catalyst International Film Festival in 2022, WFT held a very special panel discussion where Parents and Carers lobbied for a more family friendly professional landscape. This was an interactive discussion where Raising Films Ireland, the support and advocacy group for parents and carers working in the Irish screen industries, teased out what can be done to create a fairer and more inclusive industry. This panel was moderated by WFT Chair Dr. Susan Liddy and featured Grainne Bennett, Lesley Conroy and Ailish Bracken . This talk has been made possible with the generous support of the BAI. https://wft.ie/ https://catalystinternationalfilmfestival.com/

In this WFT Ireland’s Podcast, Board Member and Producer Fiona Kinsella chats with Madison Eastwood, John O’Sullivan and Lorcan Murphy on the A to Z of Insuring your Film. These experts from WFT sponsors Media Insurance and discuss the nuances of media insurance, offering crucial insights on coverage essentials and risk mitigation and help on understanding the complex paperwork involved.

In this inaugural episode from a series of in-depth conversations with international changemakers, WFT Ireland Chair and WIFT International President Dr. Susan Liddy delves into an insightful discussion with Terry Lawler – former Executive Director of WFT New York and a member of the current WIFTI Advisory Board. Through this series, we aim to speak with a range of women who have shaped WIFTI and the media landscape over the last few decades. With over two decades at the helm of the New York chapter, Terry's leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this podcast episode, Susan and Terry explore many questions. What does it take to navigate the complexities of running one of the largest chapters in one of the biggest cities of a global organisation like WIFTI? What transformations has she witnessed during her dynamic tenure? A special nod of appreciation goes out to our international colleagues at WIFTI for their unwavering support. This podcast has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholders Fund. To learn more about the work being done at WFT Ireland and to explore the possibility of becoming a member, visit https://wft.ie/

In the second of the Cannes Conversation Series, we look at script development and how the story gets from the page to the screen. This has been made possible with the support of the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund. At Cannes Film Festival last year, WFT Chair Dr. Susan Liddy caught up with producer Annemiek van der Hell at the Writers’ Lab networking event. The Writers’ Lab is a wonderful initiative created by Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon to support female screenwriters over 40. Susan talks with Annemiek about the development of her feature Breakwater, a co-production between The Netherlands, Ireland, and Belgium. Following this, recorded at a live webinar, Scripteditor Gaia Meucci-Astley talks about her career, the industry, and how she works with writers to get their scripts to the best version possible. Utilising her unique background as a film programmer, Gaia shares her tips and tricks in working with your story and characters, to unlock the magic of storytelling. You can contact Gaia about working on your project at https://www.gaiascripteditor.com/ https://wft.ie

Ahead of the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival WFT Member Margaret Kane-Rowe, hosts a wonderful panel bringing together the creative and talented women whose work is screening at the festival. Rebecca Hickey (The Performance Review), Aisha Bolaji (The End of the World Tour), Alexandra Eftos (Good Fortune), and Croí Burrowes (Kiss Kiss Fang Fang) will be talking about their funny films and careers to date. This webinar is funded by the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Funding. https://www.dublininternationalcomedyfilmfest.com/ https://wft.ie/

In this very special WFT Ireland podcast WFT Member and composer Emer Landers talks with fellow composer, the inspiring Eímear Noone about her wonderful new documentary score for SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS. Discussing everything music-related, from the taste to the technical, these two talented women reveal real insight into the art form. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland's Stakeholder fund. SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS - In Cinemas Now https://wft.ie/

Listen back to this very special masterclass in lighting with WFT Vice-Chair and Board Member Jaro Waldeck, as she's in conversation with RTÉ Lighting Director Aoife Brown. In this focused discussion, they give critical and technical insight into all things lighting and cinematography and cover the art of visual storytelling in multicamera TV. This podcast has been released with the support of Screen Ireland's Stakeholder Fund. https://wft.ie/ About Aoife Brown Aoife has over 25 years in television production operations at RTÉ. For the past number of years the majority of her work has been as Lighting Director on ‘Fair City’, Ireland’s longest running drama serial. In 2018, Fair City began shooting in HD. As Lighting Director, she was involved in the technical planning of the project. Her responsibility was also to ensure that all set lighting met the requirements for HD filming and designed set lighting for a new diner set. In 2014, Aoife was the Lighting Director for RTĖ’s first full HD studio production which was studio coverage and analysis of the FIFA World Cup.

In 2017, Women in Film and Television Ireland hosted a DOP Masterclass at Brooks Hotel. This live event featured insight into the craft of cinematography from two leading DOPs, Kate McCullough (The Farthest, The Queen of Ireland, His & Hers) and Frida Wendel (Striking Out, Ego). McCullough has recently been listed in Screen International’s “Stars of Tomorrow 2020”. She received the Golden Frog for Best Cinematography on a Docudrama ‘I Dolours’ at Camerimage 2018. In the same year she was nominated for an Emmy for her work on ‘The Farthest’. The Hollywood Reporter listed McCullough as top 10 to watch in Irish Film Industry 2017. More recently she was nominated for the IMAGO award 2019 for her work on ‘The Farthest’. Upon completing her studies at The National Film School, Lodz, Poland, McCullough shot the Irish box office hit ‘His and Hers’. This film went on to win the ‘World Cinematography Award in Documentary’, Sundance 2010. McCullough is a member of the Irish Society of Cinematographers and Illuminatrix. Frida Wendel is a Swedish DOP who has a background in still photography and studied cinematography at Dramatiska Instituet between 2004 and 2008. She has since then made a number of popular commercials and promos for companies such as IKEA, Vero Moda and Burger King. She puts a lot of effort on visual storytelling and she is known for her work on EGO (2014), Akta manniskor (2014), Glada halsningar fran Missangertrask (2015) and more recently in Ireland on Blinder Films Striking Out, starring Amy Huberman and Neil Morrissey and directed by Lisa James Larsson for RTE. She is currently shooting Series Two. She is a member of The Swedish Society of Cinematographers FSF. This masterclass was chaired by award-winning cinematographer Michael Lavelle (Cardboard Gangsters, Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope, Patrick’s Day).

In this very special WFT Podcast, listen back as two award-winning documentary filmmakers dive into their craft. WFT Board Member and Filmmaker Marissa Aroy was in conversation with Documentary Filmmaker Nina Menkes talking about gender and the unwavering male gaze in filmmaking ahead of Nina’s newest documentary film Brainwashed Sex-Camera-Power. This film is screening tonight at the Kerry International Film Festival, catch it now the big screen. This webinar has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. Brainwashed Sex-Camera-Power has been honoured with screenings at major international film festivals including Sundance, the Berlinale, CPH:DOX, BFI-London, IDFA, Ambulante, Frameline, Karlovy Vary and the Viennale, among many others, was named on multiple BEST OF 2022 Lists including Film Comment, IMDB, Roger Ebert, Screen Slate and The Association of Women Film Journalists who also cited the film as an “Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in the FIlm Industry.” https://wft.ie/

Listen to this very special podcast where WFT Members Director Lisa Mulcahy and Producer Ruth Carter discuss their collaboration on their film Lies We Tell hosted by WFT Board Member and fellow producer Fiona Kinsella. Lies We Tell is in Irish cinemas from the 13th of October. This webinar has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. In an isolated manor, an orphaned heiress must fight her guardian for her inheritance— and her life.  Lies We Tell  is a contained psychological thriller about a gaslit girl’s break for freedom. Stripped-down, gritty, and all-too-contemporary: this is not a frocks-and-bonnets period picture but a taut, propulsive, fight to the death. Directed by Lisa Mulcahy, starring the great granddaughter of Seán O’Casey, Agnes O’Casey (Ridley Road), David Wilmot (The Wonder), Holly Sturton (Smother) and Chris Walley (Young Offenders). If you would like to support Women in film and TV Ireland, join us at WFT.ie or visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wftireland