#181 FÍS TV Summit 2026 - Garry Talks: Film

Recorded live at the FÍS TV Summit 2026 in Galway, this special episode of "Garry Talks: Film" features in-depth conversations with key figures from the Irish & UK film and television industry. Host Garry interviews actor/writer Nora-Jane Noone about her career, the impact of "The Magdalene Sisters," and her ambitions in writing and directing. TG4’s Proinsias Ní Ghráinne discusses commissioning Irish-language content and nurturing new talent. Director Mia Mullarkey explores gender diversity and the challenges and triumphs of authentic storytelling in Ireland’s evolving media landscape, whilst UK Producer Mark Herbert explains the creative and logistical challenges of filming "Adolescence" in one continuous shot.   - 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. Introduction and Episode Overview (00:00:00) Host Garry introduces the special episode, guests, and the FÍS TV Summit 2026. Adolescence and Impactful Storytelling (00:00:19) Discussion on the impact of the Netflix show "Adolescence" and the importance of communication with teenagers. Guest Introductions: Mia Mullarkey and Proinsias Ní Ghráinne (00:00:38) Garry introduces director Mia Mullarkey and commissioning editor Proinsias Ní Ghráinne. Nora-Jane Noone: Early Career and The Magdalene Sisters (00:01:27) Nora-Jane Noone reflects on her start in acting and the societal impact of "The Magdalene Sisters." Personal Connections to Magdalene Laundries (00:04:07) Nora-Jane shares family stories and the secrecy surrounding the laundries in Galway. Transition to UK Television and Early Acting Lessons (00:05:14) Nora-Jane discusses moving to the UK, working in soaps, and learning the craft of acting. Navigating the Acting Industry Without Drama School (00:06:23) She talks about imposter syndrome, learning on the job, and finding balance as an actor. Living Abroad: UK, US, and Returning to Ireland (00:07:41) Nora-Jane describes her time in London and LA, and reasons for returning to Ireland. Parenthood, Gun Violence, and Choosing Home (00:09:24) She explains how parenthood and US gun violence influenced her decision to move back. Advice for Aspiring Actors: Location and Community (00:10:05) Nora-Jane offers advice on where to base oneself and the importance of community for actors. Choosing Projects and Hidden Assets (00:11:35) She shares what excites her about scripts and her involvement in "Hidden Assets." Irish TV on the Global Stage (00:12:38) Discussion on the growth and international reach of Irish television. Transitioning to Writing and Directing (00:13:16) Nora-Jane talks about her ambitions in writing and directing, and the need for mentorship. Commissioning Editor Proinsias Ní Ghráinne: What Broadcasters Want (00:16:00) Proinsias explains what TG4 looks for in pitches and misconceptions about celebrity involvement. Irish Language Talent and Representation (00:17:22) Emphasis on finding new Irish-speaking talent and avoiding English-language celebrity reliance. Changing Landscape: Irish Language Media and Streaming (00:20:21) Discussion on the surge in Irish speakers, competition with streamers, and TG4’s unique position. Identity, Language, and International Success (00:23:13) Proinsias discusses the importance of identity in Irish-language content and international hits like "Kneecap." Commissioning Risks and Success Stories (00:25:31) Insights into commissioning bold projects, risks, and the success of "Kneecap." Diversity of Irish-Language Content (00:27:38) Showcasing the range of Irish-language productions, including sign language documentaries. Newsworthiness and Contemporary Storytelling (00:28:42) Proinsias addresses the importance of newsworthy, contemporary stories for TG4. Pathways for New Directors and Writers (00:30:11) Advice on building a track record and TG4’s openness to first-time directors and writers. Language Requirements for Key Creative Roles (00:32:09) Expectations for directors and editors to be Irish speakers for authenticity. Project-Driven Development and Commissioning (00:33:42) TG4’s approach to developing ideas and the irrelevance of commercial track record in initial commissioning. Upcoming Projects at TG4 (00:34:54) Proinsias shares excitement about upcoming music documentaries and international co-productions. Mia Mullarkey: Nontraditional Path to Directing (00:37:03) Mia discusses her background in psychology, neuroscience, and transition to documentary filmmaking. Early Documentary Work and Mentorship (00:38:02) She describes her early science documentaries and mentorship with Lenny Abrahamson. First Filmmaking Experiences and Personal Stories (00:40:09) Mia recounts making documentaries in Peru and her first film about her brother with autism. Training, Shadowing, and Entry into TV Drama (00:41:19) Her journey through training schemes and transition into TV drama directing. Gender and Diversity Gaps in Irish Film (00:42:22) Mia addresses the lack of female and diverse representation in Irish film and TV. Industry Quotas and Recent Decline in Diversity (00:42:56) Discussion on quotas, past improvements, and recent setbacks in gender and diversity statistics. Barriers for Women and Underrepresented Groups (00:44:33) Challenges faced by women, people of colour, and differently abled individuals in the industry. Glass Ceilings and Socioeconomic Barriers (00:45:55) Mia discusses privilege, financial barriers, and the persistence of glass ceilings. Impact of Caregiving on Women’s Careers (00:47:38) The effect of caregiving responsibilities on women’s participation and progression in film. Industry Supports for Carers and Parents (00:48:41) Advocacy for better supports and integration of caregiving needs in production. Role of Diverse Storytellers and Representation (00:50:15) Mia emphasizes the value of diverse lived experiences in storytelling. Advice for Aspiring Directors (00:51:17) Mia offers practical advice for those starting out in TV and film directing. Mark Herbert: Producing Adolescence (00:53:04) Mark discusses producing "Adolescence," collaboration with Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne. One-Shot Filmmaking Challenges (00:54:18) The creative and logistical challenges of filming "Adolescence" in one continuous shot. Rehearsal Process and Technical Execution (00:59:07) Detailed breakdown of the rehearsal and shooting process for the series. Improvisation, Authenticity, and Performance (01:01:44) How improvisation and actor performance contributed to the show's realism. Portraying Family Dynamics and Social Impact (01:03:08) The importance of showing nuanced family dynamics and sparking societal conversations. Distribution, Funding, and Working with Netflix (01:07:37) How "Adolescence" found its home on Netflix and the financial realities of production. Collaboration and Future Projects (01:10:17) Mark discusses ongoing collaborations and the focus on authentic Northern English stories. Episode Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks (01:11:38) Garry closes the episode, thanks guests, and reflects on the success of the FÍS TV Summit.