Upcoming Events
MASTERS AT WORK - Wednesday 10th September 2025
IFTUK’S MASTERS AT WORK, in partnership with The Century Club, Wednesday 10th September 2025, 18.30 -The Century Club.
For the September Masters At Work, Irish Actor/Broadcaster/Presenter Derek Murphy will be chatting with Veteran Producer, Michael Ryan & finding out how some of the most successful independent films were financed & sold.
Michael Ryan started his career at Lew Grade’s ITC, then the world's largest library of TV & Film, progressing into theatrical when ITC became a feature film production house creating movies with major talent such as On Golden Pond and Sophie's Choice. Ryan helped to create a ground breaking method of sales and financing that was to become the bedrock of independent film making in the modern era.
With Julia Palau in 1978, they created their own sales and financing company, J&M Entertainment, which became a powerhouse of independent film for the next 22 years. In early 2000 J&M was sold to a German television company.
Ryan joined forces with Guy Collins, to form Sequence Film which was snapped up in 2006 by the then public company, Handmade Films, formed by Beatle George Harrison to finance Monty Python’s The Life of Brian. They financed and produced films including Fifty Dead Men Walking and the hugely successful Planet 51.
In 2011 Collins and Ryan, together with Fred Hedman formed GFM Films.
Films produced, financed and/or sold and marketed by Ryan include; The Running Man, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Trip to Bountiful. Major League, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The English Patient, Highlander & The General, to mention a few.
Free to attend, to book your place email julie@iftuk.com
IFTUK's MASTERS AT WORK & SHOUT CYMRU - Voices of Resilience & Storytelling
FRIDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER, 4 - 9 PM, YMa: Man Creu Meithrin Celf | Place for Culture Creativity Arts, Stryd Taff, Pontypridd, CF37 4TS
Join us for an inspiring evening of award-winning films, masterclasses, and conversation exploring resilience, women’s voices in film, and mental health awareness.
With thanks to The Community Fund 2025 - The Ireland Funds of Great Britain for their support
Following the success of IFTUK’s Masters At Work in London, IFTUK is bringing the Event to Wales and partnering with SHOUT Celebration for their first SHOUT Cymru Event! This is following SHOUT's successful Film & Arts Mental Health Festivals in London & Liverpool which have been running for the past four years. This free to attend bookable event will take place on Friday 12th September 2025, with a screening of two multi-award winning Irish short films: Denise Deegan’s THE INN KEEPER and Maeve Murphy’s ST. PANCRAS SUNRISE. We will also be holding the Welsh Premiere of Patricia Kelly's multi-award-winning & critically acclaimed feature film, VERDIGRIS. This will be followed by a discussion with Irish Author/Screenwriter Denise and Irish Writer/Film Directors Patricia & Maeve. IFTUK’s Chair, Carey Fitzgerald, will chat with them about their impressive careers and how they became successful in a very competitive industry, as well as the subject of mental health which is touched upon in all three films.
We are delighted that Denise McQuade, Consul General, Irish Consulate in Cardiff will be welcoming and introducing the Event.
There will be a Q&A followed by Networking.
Event Schedule
3:45 PM – Doors open, registration, and bar available
4:00 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks by Denise McQuade, Consul General, Irish Consulate in Cardiff & Carey Fitzgerald, Chair of IFTUK.
4:15 PM – Short Film Screenings
The Innkeeper (14 mins) by Denise Deegan
St Pancras Sunrise (10 mins) by Maeve Murphy
4:45 PM – Masters At Work Cymru Masterclass
Live conversation and Q&A with Denise Deegan and Maeve Murphy, hosted by Carey Fitzgerald, Chair of IFTUK.
5:30 PM – Break (20 minutes) | Bar open for networking
5:50 PM – Feature Film Screening – VERDIGRIS (95 mins)
Welsh Premiere of Patricia Kelly’s award-winning debut feature.
7:30 PM – In Conversation with Patricia Kelly
Discussion with the filmmaker, hosted by Carey Fitzgerald, exploring the creative journey of VERDIGRIS and its powerful themes of coercive control, resilience, and unexpected friendship.
8:15 PM – Networking & bar open
Previous Events
MASTERS AT WORK AT THE CENTURY CLUB
On Tuesday 27th May, International PR and Communications Consultant Patrick Keegan regaled a packed audience at the Century Club with entertaining tales of his insights and experiences working in the Film and TV Industry today.
Audience feedback included:
“Patrick was brilliant at teasing out stories. What shone through was [PR] is about integrity, honesty and the truth, who’d have thought it!”. - Dermot Murnahan, News Reporter, TV host, Journalist,
“Absolutely illuminating and shone a light on an area I hadn’t thought of much before” - Gina de Ferrer, Producer
“Patrick gave a fascinating, insightful and honest appraisal into the mechanics behind the industry” - Garo Berberian, Director
ST.PATRICK'S FESTIVAL MASTERS AT WORK - WITH AMY HUBBARD & HEIDI LAWRY
With an absolute full house In celebration of IFTUK’s St Patrick's Festival, Globally recognised Casting Director Amy Hubbard and her Associate, Heidi Lawry, thrilled the audience with their knowledge and stories, moderated by IFTUK's Nicola Waddell.
This is what the audience thought:
“Smashing event last night. You guys are really doing so much to bring the Irish filmmaking community together, we love it!” Aidan O’Callaghan
"Another fantastic evening filled with insight and inspiration. Amy and Heidi were amazing—so passionate and committed to their work and to actors. Your dedication to bringing great people together is exactly what the industry needs right now. Actors rarely get the opportunity to connect with casting in this way, so events like this are incredibly valuable. Thank you so much!” Tracy Coogan
ONLINE ST PATRICK'S 'MAKING IT HAPPEN' WORKSHOP
In celebration of our St Patrick's Film Festival and in partnership with Wise Women, we enjoyed an informative and animated evening from the Wise Women Platform with renowned published writer of nine novels and numerous award-winning screenplays, Denise Deegan, and multi-award-winning writer/director Maeve Murphy. These legendary women thrilled the audience with stories of their experiences and anecdotes on how they arrived to where they are today. Our audience spanned from the USA, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland and the UK and this is what some of them said:
"What an inspiring event, thank you for sharing with us!"
"Thank you, this has been a fascinating evening."
"Maeve and Denise have been so generous with their advice and tips and even shared their contacts with us. Thank you so much."
MASTERS AT WORK: STEVEN GREENIELDS INTERVIEWS LINEN MILL STUDIOS FOUNDER AND GAME OF THRONES STUDIO TOUR CREATOR, ANDREW WEBB
On Tuesday, 18th February, international lawyer and filmmaker, and IFTUK’s non-exec vice-chair, Steven Greenfields, welcomed legendary studio director, Andrew Webb, to a lively interview in the company of a thoroughly engaged and well-informed audience in the beautiful surroundings of the cocktail lounge at the Century Club.
As creator of both Linen Mill Studios, where much of Game of Thrones was filmed continuously over an eight-year period, and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, now Ireland’s biggest indoor visitor attraction preserving and sharing the Game of Thrones legacy for future generations, Andrew provided plenty of fun facts and stories, which we all washed down with lots of great questions, networking and cocktails.
“Thanks so much for a really enjoyable talk” - Catherine Cunning, Producer and Writer
“It was fascinating to hear from a person in the industry how suddenly you can become a part of such a grand project. It was lovely to hear him talk about his experiences and challenges in managing a set as versatile as the one in Game of Thrones.” - Matei Coniac, Physicist
"Thank you so much for this event, it was fascinating to hear about the studio's incredible journey and behind-the-scenes of the show" - Hannah Louie, Musician
“I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, as did my guest. He wants to be invited to all future evenings. I am really looking forward to my trip in May, to bring the whole experience to life.” - David Clark, Financial Controller
Photography by Rowena Medlow and Harold Greenfields
ONLINE MASTERCLASS IN CELEBRATION OF ST BRIGID'S DAY
As part of the IFTUK St Brigid's Film Festival and in partnership with Wise Women, we enjoyed a packed online masterclass from the Wise Women Platform. Sadly, because of the violent storms in Ireland resulting in no power or water, legendary Casting Director Maureen Hughes was unable to jump on. Producer Edwina Forkin & Global Distribution Expert, Tara Gaule thrilled the participants with their insight into the film & TV industry and their respective roles on TIS THE SEASON TO BE IRISH .
This is what the audience said:
"Thank you so much for sending , it was wonderful! Great to get all of your insight on things. It's a pity Maureen couldn't make - she is the Queen of casting in Ireland and has certainly paved the way for those behind her." - Tracy Coogan
"I really enjoyed the session and Q & A this evening, thanks so much." - Pat Garrett
"Thank you so much for adding me to the event, it was priceless! Amazing women in an amazing industry for sure" - Gillian Fischer
"I very much enjoyed listening to the discussion last night. It was so helpful to get a behind the scenes look at tv & film production." - Jackie Pulford
"Thanks so much for organising the talk last night—it was really insightful, and I took away a lot of valuable information." - Aidan O'Callagan
MASTERS AT WORK: IN CELEBRATION OF THE ST BRIGID'S FESTIVAL - MASTERS AT WORK: Nicola Waddell meets Julie Baines, Maeve Murphy & Farah Abushwesha
On Tuesday 21st January, IFTUK launched the St. Brigid's Festival in partnership with the Century Club, with a lively Masterclass. Nicola Waddell interviewed three of the film & TV industry's most successful filmmakers. Julie Baines, Maeve Murphy & Fara Abushwesha, who thrilled the audience with their stories of how they put together their productions in a challenging environment, followed by an informative and entertaining Q & A.
"It was so inspiring to hear how three women smashed through the glass ceiling, also do informative, particularly understanding how Irish and UK co-productions are put together." - Deidre Costello, Writer
"Thank you IFTUK for another brilliant evening. I learned so much and received good advice on the short film I am currently making." - Naimh O'Sullivan, Director
"I took away so much from this session and am looking forward to the next one, thank you IFTUK!" - Rory O'Neill, Film Student
Photography by Archie Friend
MASTERS AT WORK: STEVEN GREENFIELDS AND PETER CURRAN OPEN THE STORY VAULTS OF VISIONARY PRODUCER, STEPHEN WOOLLEY
On Friday, 4th October, IFTUK welcomed Stephen Woolley to a record crowd at the wonderful Century Club, hosted by former colleague and Vice Chair of IFTUK, Steven Greenfields, and interviewed by BBC Radio 4 presenter and IFTUK director, Peter Curran, with stories, smiles, lessons and laughs aplenty.
As well as several insights into his famous partnership with legendary Irish director, Neil Jordan, from the financing of their first film “The Company of Wolves” to the casting of "Mona Lisa" and "Michael Collins", Stephen had us all in raptures with tales from his own journey from cinema usher to chair of Bafta.
This was the first of a two part production, the second part to be announced in IFTUK's programme for The Irish Film Festival 13-17 November, coming soon…
“That was a great talk tonight…” - Maeve Murphy, writer and director
“An amazing evening… Stephen Woolley was an inspiration. I loved listening to his journey.” - Breandán O’Connor, actor and singer
“So generous with his thoughts and experience…” - Paul McQuaid, actor
“Very rewarding masterclass today. Thanks to you and all at IFTUK.” - Eugene Doyen, Senior Lecturer in Film Practice
MASTERS AT WORK: NICOLA WADDELL MEETS JOHN NOLAN
On the 17th September, IFTUK's Director of Sponsorship and veteran Show Runner & Executive Producer, Nicola Waddell, chatted with Global Industry Funding Expert, John Nolan, on the important subject of finding the money for Film & TV production.
A lively Q & A and networking followed, as the audience heard how productions such as “Tell them you love me!” with Sky, “The Masked Singer” with ITV, “Let’s Dance!” with RTL, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” with ABC, “I am Ruth”, “Help!” and “Frank of Ireland” reached our screens.
“So informative! John was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. Though some of it was very eye opening and a little daunting it did not strip us of the hope that a great, though provoking, entertaining, innovative idea could find its way in this industry against the odds.” - Tracy Coogan
“Very good event last night. It covered a big gap in my knowledge of the funding process today.” - Eugene Doyen, Senior Lecturer Film Practice
“Thanks for inviting us to the excellent event on Tuesday – we enjoyed it very much. ” - Tatevik Ayvazyan
"John ‘can-you-see-it-on-the-side-of-a-bus’ Nolan generously and candidly tackled the business of funding with gentle humour and razor sharp insights, stuff you can’t just pick up. Brilliant." - Joyce Greenaway (Writer-performer-creator WHISK(E)Y WARS)
MASTERS AT WORK: Tara Gaule, James Braham & Joel Atley
Another packed MASTERS AT WORK was enjoyed by all at the Century Club this July. IFTUK’s Director of Television, Tara Gaule, had a lively & entertaining conversation with James Braham (former Vice President of Endemol Shine) and Joel Atley (Commercial Director at Hello Deer Productions).
The three Global TV Industry Legends shared their knowledge and experiences working on titles such as Father Ted, David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Luther, Sherlock, Death in Paradise, Wife Swap, The Inbetweeners, Kitchen Nightmares, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Doc Martin, amongst others.
Followed by an animated Q & A and Networking, the evening was an enormous success.
Photography by Bea Cook
“It was so interesting to hear how the business side of the television industry works, I will now be better prepared when pitching my projects in future.” - Sadbh Lyons, Screenwriter
“I love Masters At Work. I have been to all three so far and all have been totally different and equally fascinating. It’s great to see how IFTUK is expanding. I am looking forward to the next one.” - Jack Irwin, Actor
“This is the first time I’ve attended this event, please invite me to the next one as I’ve learned a lot and met some really interesting people this evening.” - Lorna O’Sullivan, Executive P.A.
David Arnold Interview with Peter Curran
On Friday 28th June, BBC Radio 4 Presenter, Peter Curran, interviewed the Grammy-winning Irish composer and musician, David Arnold, who thrilled the audience by sharing his insights on a creative life in the music, film, theatre & TV industries. David’s credits include scoring five James Bond films alongside acclaimed scores for Stargate, Independence Day, Zoolander, and the tv series’ Sherlock and Good Omens to mention a few.
Photographer Ajay Chowdhury
"David Arnold's conversation with the excellent Peter Curran was part of IFTUKs 'Masters At Work' was breezy and bright. From Luton to Los Angeles, the 2012 Olympics to 007 via Van Morrison, Don Black, Scott Walker and Sammy Kahn, Arnold was unpretentious yet enlightening." - Ajay Chowdhury, co-author Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films & global spokesperson for The James Bond International Fan Club
"It was an absolute pleasure to hear the stories, process and inspirations behind some of the greatest scores, themes and songs by prolific ( 5 Bond movies, Sherlock , Zoolander he’s done it all) composer, musician and great raconteur, David Arnold. Once again, hosted with wit and charm by BBC Radio’s Peter Curran . Thanks IFTUK for the invite. Looking forward to your next event." - Bunmi Akintonwa, Producer, Writer & Diversity Consultant
"Thank you IFTUK for a lovely evening, we found it to be insightful and the anecdotes were source a of discussion and left food for thought. " - Tania Freimuth, Cinematographer
VERDIGRIS, A CASE STUDY
On the 18th June in partnership with Wise Women and from the Wise Women Platform, Patricia Kelly (writer/producer/director), Geraldine McAlinden (lead actress) & Tania Freimuth (Director of Photography) shared their experiences on how they managed to create the multi-award-winning Irish feature film. With 5 IFTA Nominations, 9 Major Festival prizes and 10 Festival selections to date, the audience was thrilled to hear how this ground breaking film is taking the world by storm.
“What an inspiring story! This workshop was entertaining and enlightening. Congratulations to all involved.” - Siobhan Murphy, Executive P.A.
“Such an interesting evening, it has spurred me on to follow my dream of making my debut film.” - Aoife O’Sullivan, Writer
“I’m a big fan of Irish Film and it was great to hear the process involved in making and marketing an independent film.” - Lynne Raimbault, CEO, Picnics & Vines
MASTERS AT WORK: Adam Gee & Peter Curran
On April 23rd, BBC Radio Four Presenter Peter Curran met Adam Gee, Emmy and 6-time BAFTA winning producer and commissioning editor. Adam's latest feature documentary is ‘The Pilgrimage of Gilbert & George’, going out on Sky in May. His most recent scripted project is futuristic drama on which his fellow producers were Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Besides film and television, he has been a pioneer in digital and interactive media, with expertise ranging from multiplatform TV to AI. Adam has commissioned at Channel 4, Little Dot Studios, Red Bull Media and CAA (Creative Artists Agency).
Joe Comerford Career Interview
Sunday 19 November. Location: Century Club, 61-63, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6LQ.
BBC Radio 4 Broadcaster Peter Curran will interview the legendary filmmaker, Joe Comerford.
As an independent filmmaker in Ireland, Joe Comerford has spent more than 50 years giving a voice to marginalised people in Irish society. With a social conscience admirably evident, his work remains compelling and relevant. As his films have been made available again via IFI’s International portal and ahead of a rare cinema screening of the digitally restored Reefer and the Model at the Festival, this year’s recipient of The Súil Eile Award acknowledging an outstanding contribution to the Irish film industry, this event sees Comerford reflect on a singular career and a striking body of work.
