Limerick man opens Northern Ireland base for TV production company
Conkers Pictures has also launched a writers in residence programme
FORMER BBC commissioning editor and executive producer Tommy Bulfin has set up his own production company, Conker Pictures.
The Bruff native and his co-founder, Kim Varvell, set up the company in London last year, and have now expanded and opened an office in Belfast.
Conker Pictures has recently launched a writer in residence scheme for writers in Northern Ireland.
The successful candidate will be in experienced hands, as between the two co-founders lies a wealth of expertise, including Mr Bulfin’s years as the BBC’s commissioning editor for Northern Ireland.
A graduate of Mary Immaculate College, Mr Bulfin’s credits include BAFTA-winning BBC shows such as the globally-renowned adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People, on which he was an executive producer, and Peaky Blinders, as well as Line of Duty, Northern Irish drama Blue Lights, and EastEnders.
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Ms Varvell has worked on a variety of TV series, including Hijack with Apple TV and Des with ITV.
The person selected for the writer in residence scheme must either be from or have lived and worked in Northern Ireland in order to “represent the culture of Northern Ireland with authenticity”, and must have one script produced for TV, radio, film, or theatre.
The scheme, which will run for the full year of 2025, is targeted at emerging writers, with candidates having ideally no more than one credit in broadcast or film.
The successful candidate will be given an inside look at the TV and film industry in the UK and Ireland, with access to writers’ rooms, development meetings, and mentoring workshops.
They will also be paid to write a script that will be pitched to broadcasters with a view to getting the idea on TV.
To apply, candidates must email Conker Pictures with a bio and writing sample before Friday, October 18.