Limerick Film Lab

A major milestone in the development of the Mid-West of Ireland's screen industry was achieved with the first-ever Limerick Film Lab at the Engine Collaboration Centre in Limerick City in July 2025

The Lab brought 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 of Ireland, the Lab was designed to support experienced producers and foster new co-production partnerships between three countries with strong storytelling traditions and dynamic screen sectors.

Photos from the Limerick Film Lab at the Engine Collaboration Centre

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

“At the heart of this film lab is a simple but vital idea: connection,” said the Councillor.

“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 6–9 July, the programme featured keynotes, case studies, and networking opportunities to 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. It is a huge opportunity for our regional producers to step onto the international stage and collaborate on stories that travel.”

Participants were selected from across Ireland's regions, from 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.

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 was 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.

By hosting this groundbreaking initiative, Limerick is not only showcasing its capacity as a world-class centre for screen collaboration, but also signalling a bold vision for the future of film in the Mid-West.

With its growing creative sector and proud storytelling tradition, Limerick, is now firmly positioned as a meeting point for global talent and ideas. As the Lab unfolds, it sets the stage for future co-productions, deeper cultural exchange, and a stronger, more connected independent film community across Ireland, Scotland, and Canada.

In closing remarks at the launch, Cllr. Maria 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.”

2025 Lab Partners:

Film in Limerick

Film in Limerick, is the film office for Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. We promote and support inward and local feature Film and TV production and run training programmes and company development initiatives to develop the crew base and local screen sector. We manage the National Talent Academies Crew Academy for Munster with Screen Ireland, offer Market & Festival Delegations with our partners and deliver the Engine Short Film Training and Production Scheme. We are funded by the local authorities in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, by Screen Ireland (Crew Academy) and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

Picture NL, Canada

PictureNL is the provincial film commission and funding agency dedicated to growing and promoting the film and television industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through targeted funding programs, business development missions, and strategic partnerships, PictureNL supports local talent and attracts national and international productions to the province.

With major streamers like Netflix, Disney, Apple TV+, and Amazon taking interest in the region, and an increasing number of local producers ready to scale up, Newfoundland and Labrador is emerging as a key player in the Canadian screen industry.

Screen Scotland

Screen Scotland drives development of all aspects of Scotland’s film and tv industry, through funding and strategic support.

Screen Scotland is part of Creative Scotland and delivers these services and support with funding from Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Find out more at screen.scot