'Let’s make something extraordinary together': First-ever Limerick Film Lab launches

THE FIRST-EVER Limerick Film Lab officially launched at the Engine Collaboration Centre in Limerick city this week.

The lab brings together 18 talented producers from Ireland, Scotland and Canada for a week of international collaboration, creative exchange and industry development.

Organised by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick, the regional film office for the Mid-West, the lab is designed to “support experienced producers and foster new co-production partnerships between three countries with strong storytelling traditions and dynamic screen sectors”.

Opening the lab on Monday, July 7, Cllr Maria Donoghue welcomed participants and highlighted the lab as “a landmark moment for film in the Mid-West and indeed, for film training collaboration across Ireland, Scotland and Canada”.

“At the heart of this film lab is a simple but vital idea: connection,” said Cllr Donoghue. “Connection between producers, across borders, backgrounds, and approaches. Connection between cultures, with their distinct perspectives and voices. And connection between our film industries, through co-production, shared learning, and international collaboration.”

Running from Sunday, July 6 to Wednesday, July 9, the programme features keynotes, case studies, and networking opportunities that support producers in developing creative and financial partnerships while deepening their understanding of the international co-production landscape.

Paul C Ryan, regional film manager at Film in Limerick, commented: “The Limerick Film Lab is all about connection – not just between filmmakers, but between cultures, storytelling traditions, and industry ecosystems. This is a huge opportunity for our regional producers to step onto the international stage and collaborate on stories that travel.”

Participants were selected from Ireland, Scotland and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with each region represented by six producers. The lab provides a space for these producers to explore new creative relationships and potential future feature film collaborations.

Speaking to Limerick Live, Paul C Ryan said: “I think that the future of the film industry in the Mid-West and the regions generally in Ireland is all about developing local companies and the lab is a big part of that.” 

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He feels that the impact that the lab will have is that “it’s allowing local producers to find co-producers internationally and to be able to finance their films and bring future film productions to Limerick and the Mid-West region”.

Cllr Donoghue told Limerick Live that she believes “it’s great to see new people come to Limerick and share their knowledge and their experience from abroad, but also to see what we can do to connect with them”. 

“If we can help a burgeoning film industry in Limerick grow and exceed all of our expectations, it’s good not just for jobs and employment and the economy, but it’s also very good for our image of ourselves and the role we play on the global stage,” she added.

The initiative is delivered in partnership with Screen Scotland and Picture NL (Newfoundland and Labrador’s film agency), with additional support from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, and Limerick City and County Council.

Jennifer Dempsey, industry development manager at Picture NL, said: “We’re thrilled to see local talent from Newfoundland and Labrador engaging with peers from Ireland and Scotland at this lab. It’s an exciting opportunity to expand creative horizons and spotlight emerging voices from our province on the international stage.”

Leslie Finlay, screen officer at Screen Scotland, added: “This international co-production lab in Limerick represents a powerful opportunity for creative exchange. Initiatives like this are essential to strengthening the future of independent film on an international scale.”

The lab is hosted at Engine Collaboration Centre, a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the city, and forms part of a wider strategy to position the Mid-West as a leading destination for film and television production.

In closing remarks at the launch, Cllr Donoghue said: “We are incredibly proud that Limerick is hosting this event. Limerick is a place with deep roots and big ambitions. Let’s make something extraordinary together.”