#166 Edwin Mullane - Garry Talks: Film

In this episode of "Garry Talks Film," Garry interviews Edwin Mullane, co-director and producer of the award-winning Irish film "Horseshoe." Edwin discusses his journey from theatre and short films to making "Horseshoe" in Sligo, highlighting the challenges of independent filmmaking, the importance of community support, and the value of authentic rural Irish stories. He shares insights into film production, distribution, and future projects, including a TV series with Canadian partners. The episode celebrates collaboration, perseverance, and the vibrant creative spirit of Ireland’s northwest. For more visit: https://www.wavewalkerfilms.com - Support this podcast by joining our tribe today at www.GarryTalks.com - Please follow Garry Talks on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.  Please follow GKMedia.ie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.  Most importantly – please subscribe to this Podcast. Opening: The Importance of Irish Stories (00:00:00) Edwin discusses the significance of telling Irish and personal stories, regardless of location. Introduction & Guest Background (00:00:15) Garry introduces Edwin Mullane and the film "Horseshoe," previewing topics for the episode. On-Set Atmosphere & Film’s Heart (00:00:43) Edwin reflects on the warmth, love, and friendship present during the making of "Horseshoe." Podcast & Sponsor Credits (00:00:59) Podcast branding and sponsor acknowledgments. Welcoming Edwin & Berlin Film Festival (00:01:28) Garry welcomes Edwin and recalls meeting him at the Berlin Film Festival. Edwin’s Sligo Roots & Wave Walker Films (00:02:11) Edwin shares his family ties to Sligo and the founding of Wave Walker Films. Education in Dun Laoghaire (00:03:05) Edwin discusses his studies in English, Media, and Cultural Studies, and meeting Adam. Early Theatre & Film Collaborations (00:04:03) Edwin and Adam’s beginnings in theatre, forming a drama society, and making short films. Transition from College to Industry (00:05:49) Challenges faced after leaving college and entering the film industry. Influence of College & Exposure to World Cinema (00:07:23) The impact of college film screenings and access to diverse cinema and theatre. Theatre Company & Early Productions (00:08:44) Founding Back of the Hand Productions, staging plays, and touring shows. Theatre’s Influence on Filmmaking (00:09:54) How theatre experience shaped their approach to working with actors in film. Moving West: Setting Up in Sligo (00:11:33) Edwin and Adam’s move from Dublin to Sligo, influenced by family and Covid. Remote Collaboration & Early Shorts (00:12:58) Adapting to remote work during Covid, making shorts, and learning through independent projects. From Shorts to Feature Film (00:14:10) Success with shorts, festival experiences, and the decision to make a feature film. Inspiration & Constraints Shaping "Horseshoe" (00:15:06) How a unique location and time constraints inspired the story and production approach. Building a Creative Team (00:16:33) The value of long-term creative relationships and collaboration in indie filmmaking. Script Development & Workshopping (00:18:00) Timeline and process for developing and workshopping the "Horseshoe" script with actors. Shooting "Horseshoe" in Sligo (00:19:54) Details of the 15-day shoot, weather challenges, and community support during production. Production Logistics & Community Support (00:21:19) How local community members helped overcome logistical challenges during filming. Lessons Learned from Production (00:23:24) Edwin’s insights on teamwork, camaraderie, and the importance of relationships on set. Galway Film Fleadh Premiere & Reception (00:25:28) The film’s world premiere, award win, and the unique atmosphere of the Galway Film Fleadh. Technical Aspects of Filming (00:27:55) Discussion of camera gear, crew dynamics, and shooting style for "Horseshoe." Screen Ireland Completion Funding (00:29:06) How Screen Ireland’s completion funding helped finish the film and enhance post-production. Editing with Tony Cranstoun (00:31:21) Working with BAFTA-winning editor Tony Cranstoun and the impact on the final film. Screen Ireland’s Support & Market Impact (00:32:40) The role of Screen Ireland and the importance of their support for distribution and marketing. Marketing & International Markets (00:34:00) The importance of marketing materials and lessons learned from international film markets. Pitching & Selling at Film Markets (00:36:22) Edwin’s experiences pitching to distributors and sales agents at Berlin and other markets. Advice for Indie Filmmakers at Markets (00:38:00) Tips on elevator pitches, comparables, and preparing materials for film markets. Business Side of Indie Filmmaking (00:40:14) Balancing creative and business roles, and the necessity of self-promotion in indie film. Distribution Challenges & Industry Changes (00:42:04) Current realities of film distribution, the impact of streamers, and the shrinking theatrical market. The Future of Irish Cinema & Cinemas (00:45:46) Discussion on the importance of supporting independent cinemas and the communal cinema experience. Community Events & Cinema Support (00:47:41) How community-driven cinema events can help Irish films reach audiences. Critical Reception & Rural Ireland Representation (00:48:36) Reading reviews and discussing the importance of representing rural Ireland in film. Advice for Aspiring Indie Filmmakers (00:51:40) Edwin’s advice on collaboration, local support, and navigating the indie film landscape. Upcoming Projects & International Co-Productions (00:53:29) Current and future projects in development, including TV and feature collaborations. Closing & Release Information (00:54:51) Final thanks, release date for "Horseshoe," and encouragement to support Irish cinema.