Here we7 Keogh
Actor Barry proud to see the Irish film industry take on the world’s best
BARRY Keoghan has put his Oscar nomination snub behind him and said he’s “proud” to see Irish actors and filmmakers “ready to take on the world”.
He was overlooked despite earning rave reviews for his performance in Saltburn while Cillian Murphy was nominated for his first Oscar for Oppenheimer.
Dubliner Barry, 31, is set to star in a new thriller Bring Them Down, which tells the story of a shepherd who turns to violence when his flock is killed.
Speaking at a Screen Ireland launch event, he said: “It’s an amazing time to be telling Irish stories.
“Being able to shoot at home with an Irish crew – who are some of the best in the world
– is always incredibly special.
“I’m so proud to see how many new filmmakers and actors are coming out of Ireland, ready to take on the world.
“I can’t wait for audiences to see Bring Them Down very soon and I am delighted the film is part of the Screen
Ireland slate.”
Screen Ireland has launched its production slate for the new year, with more than 40 film and TV shows in the pipeline.
Following his Oscar nomination for Oppenheimer, Murphy’s next movie takes him back to Ireland.
Small Things Like These is set in Co Wexford and adapted from the acclaimed novel by Claire Keegan (The Quiet Girl).
As well as starring, the Cork actor also produced the film, which is set in 1984 and centres on a delivery man who makes a discovery while visiting a local convent.
Murphy, 47, said: “It’s a wonderful time for Irish filmmaking, and I’m proud to be part of putting Irish stories on the screen that tell us about ourselves – our past and present.
“Working on this film with director
Tim Mielants and screenwriter Enda
Walsh – as well as the film’s outstanding cast and crew in Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin – was an incredible experience.”
Other movies on the way include Louise Lives Large, which tells the story of Louise – a 14-year-old cancer survivor desperate to have some fun. She faces down body
Being able to shoot at home with an Irish crew is special
BARRY KEOGHAN YESTERDAY
image issues and bullying, first-time rebellion and frenemy drama, crushes, curve balls and more. Through it all, her list ensures that Louise and her gang of misfit friends are always Living Large.
Other movies include Kathleen Is Here, a thriller featuring Kin star Claire Dunne, Peter Coonan and Hazel Doupe, and Freamhacha, an
Irish-language thriller about a care worker looking after an agoraphobic woman.
Spilt Milk – a drama about a boy who wants to become a detective like his TV hero Kojak – will also be coming to our screens.
It features rising Irish star Danielle Galligan, currently on our screens in Netflix series Shadow and Bone.
Irish TV drama will see eight new Screen Ireland-supported series this year working with RTE, Virgin Media,
TG4 and a range of international broadcasters.
Last year, 38% of Screen Ireland productions were directed or written by new filmmakers, demonstrating its championing of new voices.
Irish TV drama production spend increased by 16% to €55million in 2023, with eight upcoming TV series in 2024 supported by the agency.
Local production remained strong with total industry spend in the economy on local goods and services totalling €322 million. Screen Ireland chief Susan Bergin said: “We’re delighted to launch our 2024 production slate, as well as a look back at what a phenomenal achievement 2023 was in terms of the Irish industry’s global reputation and acclaim.
“Our priorities remain to support skills development nationwide, the nurturing of new talent and voices, and funding Irish screen stories across film, television and animation.”