Reece Cargan, Ciara Barry to participate in Limerick’s inaugural producer lab

Scotland-based producers Reece Cargan of Randan and Ciara Barry of barry crerar are among the Scottish, Irish and Canadian producers taking part in the inaugural Limerick Film Lab, which is taking place from July 6-9.

Run by Film in Limerick, the film office for the mid-west of Ireland, the Lab aims to foster collaboration between first and second-time feature producers based in Ireland, Scotland, and Canada.

It has been developed in partnership with Screen Scotland and  Picture NL, the Newfoundland and Labrador film agency.

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a series of workshops, explore internationally focused business partnerships and gain insights into each country’s funding landscapes.

From Scotland, alongside Midwinter Break co-producer Cargan and Belfast-born Girl producer Barry, taking part will be Lena Vurma (Skye Films), Zam Salim (Incidental Films), Laura McBride (Compact) and Rakasree Basu (Momentum Films).

The participating Ireland-based producers are Steve Hall (Dark Day Pictures), Anna Mannion (Tri Moon Films), Melissa Collins (Bostwest Productions Lin Hong (Made Image), Tara Doolan (Honest Arts), Ronan Cassidy (Carbonated Comet) and Lara Hickey (Copper Alley Productions). 

From Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, the 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).

The Limerick Film Lab is supported by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Limerick City and County Council, Screen Scotland and Picture NL, with further support from Screen Ireland and Screen Producers Ireland. It forms part of Film in Limerick’s mission to position the mid-west of Ireland as a leading hub for international screen collaboration and innovation.

“The Limerick Lab is all about connection – not just between filmmakers, but between cultures, storytelling traditions, and industry ecosystems,” said Paul C Ryan, regional film manager at Film in Limerick.

“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.”

• UK government says it is “looking afresh” at AI and copyright proposals for the creative sector