19/02/2025
The WRAP Commission, represented by Gar O’Brien-Collins, attended the European Film Market - EFM as part of the Berlinale last week.
The WRAP Commission supported producers from the region with the second iteration of its Access to Market scheme. This scheme enabled WRAP to assist a delegation of regional producers to participate in the Market including Peadar King (Black Gate Productions – Galway), Edwin Mullane (WaveWalker Films - Sligo), Clara Planelles (Writer, director, producer – Clare) and Garry Kelly (GK Media - Galway).
While there they attended a special Screen Ireland event with the Irish Embassy's Gesandter/ Deputy Head of Mission Mr. John Lynam.
Gar was also able to meet with several recipients of the National Talent Academies Ireland Film & Television/ WRAP Commission Mentorship Scheme including Kelly Campbell who is being mentored by Stephen Wooley of Number 9 Films where they discussed their progress through the scheme.
Gar also participated the Official Plenum Meeting of CineRegio. The event covered key administrative and strategic topics in the film sector.
Discussions included updates on animation and documentary initiatives, sustainability efforts, & the Federal German film reform, which secured its first pillar of support in late 2024, with further steps planned for investment obligations and tax incentives. The MOIN Film Fund provided a regional perspective on these developments.
The West Danish Film Fund/ Filmby Aarhus presented its funding schemes and co-production opportunities. Collaborative projects were also discussed, including the CinEuro experience and efforts to strengthen regional training cooperation.
Additional topics included updates on the Convention on Co-productions and state aid regulations, particularly a public consultation in 2025 on extending support to video games, as well as insights from the Public Film Funding at a Crossroads III research project, with further discussion.
Read more about Cineregio on their website https://www.cineregio.org/
WRAP Investment Fund and Commission is an initiative of the Western Development Commission and Ardán with the local authorities of Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo & Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Creative Heartlands Film Mayo Galway City Arts Office Galway County Arts Office Clare Arts Office Berlinale - Berlin International Film Festival