#175 Lelia Doolan - Garry Talks: Film

In this episode of "Garry Talks Film," host Garry interviews pioneering Irish filmmaker and cultural leader Lelia Doolan. Lelia reflects on her groundbreaking career in Irish theatre, television, and film, sharing stories from her early days at RTÉ to her role in founding the Galway Film Fleadh and chairing the Irish Film Board. She discusses the challenges of building Ireland’s film industry, her commitment to integrity and creative expression, and her concerns about commercialisation. The conversation offers a candid, inspiring insight into Lelia’s enduring influence on Irish arts and culture.   - 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.   Standing Up and Leaving RTÉ (00:00:00) Lelia recounts leaving RTÉ after protesting internal issues and making speeches. Introduction to Lelia Doolan (00:00:11) Garry introduces Lelia, highlighting her pioneering roles in Irish film, TV, and theatre. Hope and Challenges in Modern Times (00:00:56) Lelia reflects on the importance of hope and the challenges facing society today. Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:01:25) Garry formally welcomes Lelia to the podcast and discusses her journey to the studio. Lelia’s Impact in the West of Ireland (00:01:58) Garry outlines Lelia’s contributions to the Irish film industry, especially in the west. Early Life and College in 1950s Dublin (00:02:27) Lelia describes her childhood, college life, and family circumstances after her father’s death. Student Life, Theatre, and Social Scene (00:04:12) Stories of cycling to college, student societies, and Dublin’s social life in the 1950s. Early Theatre Involvement and Aspirations (00:05:13) Lelia discusses her early theatre roles and lack of specific career ambitions. Berlin in the 1950s (00:06:45) Lelia shares experiences of visiting and living in Berlin during the Cold War era. Return to Ireland and Early Theatre Career (00:08:51) Lelia talks about joining the Gaiety and Globe Company, and her early acting work. Transition to Early Irish Television (00:09:58) Lelia describes joining RTÉ, becoming a producer/director, and early days in Irish TV. Training in America and Observing US TV (00:10:12) Lelia recounts her training trip to New York, Chicago, and Toronto in 1964. Learning TV Production and Early Inspirations (00:12:18) She discusses learning by observation and her early work on Newsbeat. Directing Traditional Music and Drama (00:13:20) Lelia’s experiences directing music and drama programs, including The Reardons. Innovations on The Reardons (00:14:25) She details technical and creative innovations on the groundbreaking rural drama series. Technical Challenges and Editing in Early TV (00:16:12) Explains the difficulties of editing and shooting TV drama in the 1960s/70s. Women Directors in RTÉ (00:17:08) Lelia highlights the emergence of women directors in Irish television. Leaving RTÉ and Institutional Challenges (00:17:28) She discusses leaving RTÉ due to creative and institutional constraints. Advertising, Independence, and Censorship (00:19:27) Lelia critiques the influence of advertising on programming and editorial independence. The Home Truths Incident and Resignations (00:20:53) She recounts a famous case of advertiser interference and subsequent staff resignations. Producing Reefer and the Model (00:22:56) Lelia describes producing her first feature film and learning on the job. Pioneers of Irish Filmmaking (00:23:39) She names key early Irish filmmakers and the challenges of building a local industry. The Irish Film Board: Origins and Challenges (00:25:10) Lelia explains the founding, closure, and revival of the Irish Film Board. Chairing the Film Board and Industry Growth (00:26:06) She discusses her role as chair, the board’s relocation to Galway, and industry expansion. Industrial vs. Arthouse Irish Cinema (00:26:35) Lelia contrasts commercial and arthouse filmmaking in Ireland. Film Education and Training Initiatives (00:27:04) She describes efforts to improve film training and collaboration among state agencies. Trade Unions and Film Production (00:28:37) Lelia discusses the impact of trade unions on film production logistics. Board Ethics and Neil Jordan (00:29:48) She explains board rules on conflicts of interest and anecdotes about Neil Jordan. Producing Bernadette: Notes on a Political Journey (00:30:31) Lelia mentions her work on the Bernadette Devlin documentary. Founding the Galway Film Fleadh (00:30:41) She recounts the origins and early days of the Galway Film Fleadh. The Ward Family and Film Industry Support (00:33:00) Stories about the Ward family’s support for Irish film and the Fleadh. Screen Ireland and the Modern Industry (00:33:53) Discussion of the evolution to Screen Ireland, increased funding, and international co-productions. Box Office vs. Storytelling in Irish Film (00:34:05) Lelia critiques the industry’s focus on box office over indigenous storytelling. Political Engagement and Activism (00:35:12) She discusses activism, especially regarding US military use of Shannon Airport. Theatre’s Freedom and Challenges (00:37:16) Lelia compares the creative freedom and financial struggles of Irish theatre. Reflections on Ireland’s Social Challenges (00:38:27) She reflects on social issues, government shortcomings, and the resilience of Irish people. Personal Projects and Life Reflections (00:40:50) Lelia shares her current project, reflects on her career, and emphasizes enjoyment and adventure. Closing Remarks and Farewell (00:41:45) Final thoughts on staying open-minded, enjoying life, and ending the interview.