Sample of Documentary projects
PORTRAIT OF A GALLERY
Wildfire Films for RTE One / Broadcasting Authority of Ireland / 2017 / 78 min's
This special observational documentary film secured unique access inside the walls of the National Gallery of Ireland while the institution goes through the largest refurbishment in its 150 year history. Three and a half years in the making we get to know gallery director Sean Railbird, builders, architects, conservationists, cleaners and art curators as the gallery copes with 700,000 annual visitors while one part of the building gets ripped apart and put back together again to create one of the top galleries in Europe.
Excellent documentary...a brilliant piece of art criticism - A study in contrasts and juxtapositions, light and shade, it knows the value of an image, the sly interplay of aligning scenes, how to draw the eye to things you would not see otherwise -Irish Times
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Music: Ray Harman | DoP: Richard Kendrick | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Exec Producer RTÉ: Sarah Ryder | Production Manager: Rory Lorton
IFTA Nomination - Specialist Factual - 2018
ROUGH RIDER
Wildfire Films/Ergo Films Production / 2014 /90 mins
Made in Association with Irish Film Board and RTÉ
Filmed over two years, this documentary feature film brings you into the world of professional cycling. Told against the backdrop of the fall of Lance Armstrong and the 2013 Tour de France, we follow former pro cyclist turned journalist and anti-doping advocate Paul Kimmage on a journey of loss and redemption.
Superb film, a sad story of unrequited love - Sunday Independent
Excellently paced, well crafted and beautifully filmed -Irish Times
Fantastic. Supremely compelling -Balls.ie
Fascinating - Mail On Sunday
Remarkable -Eoghan Harris, Sunday Independent
Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producers: Martha O'Neill, Tony Whelan | Exec Producer IFB : Keith Potter ] Exec Producer RTE : Niamh O'Connor | Editor: Mick Mahon | Music: Michael Fleming | Camera: Rónán Fox, Richard Kendrick | Sound: Bob Brennan, Adrian McCarthy | Sound Design: Killian Fitzgerald Production Manager: Rory Lorton
IFTA WINNER - Best Editing - Mick Mahon - (2015)
ANTHONY FOLEY - MUNSTERMAN
Wildfire Films for RTE One / 2017 / 54 min's
In October 2016 news of the sudden death of Munster rugby head coach Anthony 'Axel' Foley reverberated throughout the rugby world and beyond. The former Irish International and Munster Captain had died of a heart attack in the team hotel in Paris on the morning of his clubs Championship Cup match against Racing 92. More words were written and said about Foley in the days after his death than were probably uttered by the man in his 42 years on earth. Heart rending tributes on and off the field captured the sadness of his death and celebrated his dedicated life. This documentary tells a story of Munster rugby through the life of Anthony Foley. We find out who was the man they called 'Axel' and what was it about him that created such an outpouring.
Poignant tribute. A moving and uplifting documentary that does a proud man proud. - Sunday Times.
Unflinching, yet warm. expertly constructed. - Irish Times
Unmissable. As with anything coming out of the Wildfire Films stable, this is quality. - Sunday Independent.
The film had a depth of feeling that was genuinely affecting - Irish Independent.
Producer: Adrian McCarthy | Director: Ross Whitaker | Editor: Vinny Beirne | Co-Producer: Wesley Liddy | Exec Producers RTE: Niamh O'Connor, Eddie Doyle |Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | PM: Rory Lorton
IFTA Nominated Best Sport 2018
Celtic Media Festival Shortlisted 2018
PULL LIKE A DOG
Wildfire Films for RTE One / 2016 / 54 min's
In August 2016 Gary and Paul O’Donovan, two young rowers from West Cork, came from nowhere to become household names after bolting their way to silver medal success at the Rio Olympics. With catch phrases like ‘Pull Like A Dog’ and ‘Schteak and Spuds’, the first ever Irish rowers to bring home Olympic medals succeeded in warming the hearts of a nation. This documentary follows the O’Donovan brothers as they return to their parish of Lisheen and Skibbereen rowing club in the aftermath of their success while getting a glimpse inside this minority sport and an understanding as to what it takes to achieve such success on water.
Probably one of the most revealing and insightful portraits of any athletes in years. Evening Herald
Inspiring stuff. Packed with comedy moments while a fascinating look into how the O’Donovan Brothers deal with pain. Another outstanding documentary from RTE. Balls.ie
A fascinating, riveting and very serious documentary. Ian Dempsey radio show .
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | DoP: Barry Donnellan | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Exec Producer RTÉ: Niamh O'Connor | Co-Producer: Rory Lorton
IFTA Nominated Best Sport 2018
HIDDEN IMPACT - Rugby and Concussion
Wildfire Films for RTÉ One / 2015 / 54 min's
Since turning professional in 1995, rugby’s popularity has soared. The game has become faster, more furious, with bigger hits and some would argue, bigger bangs. This absorbing one-hour documentary investigates the troubling issue of concussion in the sport. Hidden Impact gets under the skin of rugby culture in Ireland and abroad in search of answers and solutions to this difficult issue.
Adrian McCarthy and Wildfire Film’s excellently researched, clearly presented and deeply persuasive Hidden Impact was almost campaigning in its conviction. Not a stone was left unturned. It makes for deeply unsettling yet essential viewing. - Irish Times.
Hidden Impact was a hard hitting, methodical and well structured assault on a vexed subject. - Sunday Times.
Wildfire Films superb documentary on concussion, shown on RTE last week, should be looked up by every rugby parent. It was an outstanding piece of work and I could not recommend it more highly to anyone concerned with this matter. - Sunday Independent
Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producers: Niamh Sammon, Adrian McCarthy | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Camera: Richard Kendrick, Joe Edwards, Matthew Kirrane | Sound: Colm O'Meara | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Exec Producer RTÉ: Niamh O'Connor | Prod Manager: Rory Lorton
IFTA WINNER Best Sport - 2016
OCD and Me
Wildfire Films for RTÉ One / 2015 / 52 min's
Most people have heard of it and many of us say we have a little bit of it, but what exactly is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? It effects between 2-3% of the Irish population and presents itself in many unusual guises. OCD and Me gives us a greater appreciation of this secretive and often misunderstood mental health condition.
An incredibly powerful documentary - Brendan O'Connor, The Saturday Night Show
An intriguing insight into a condition that many of us share to some degree - John Boland, Irish Independent
The participants do a service to the understanding of the condition and Adrian McCarthy offers a respectful treatment of their fears and anxieties - Bernice Harrison, Irish Times.
Producer|Director: Adrian McCarthy | Assistant Producer: Zlata Filopovic | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Camera: Eleanor Bowman | Sound: Sue Downey | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill
Exec Producer RTÉ: Niamh O'Connor | Prod Manager: Rory Lorton
IFTA nomination, best editing - Brenda Morrissey.
IFTA nomination, best camerawork - Eleanor Bowman.
SMALL FAR AWAY - THE WORLD OF FATHER TED
Hat Trick Production for Channel Four / 2011/ 48 mins
On the 15th anniversary of its launch, this documentary follows Father Ted creators Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews as they return to Craggy Island on a road trip across Ireland, taking them back to some of the key filming locations from the multi-award winning series.
Father Ted captured a specific Irish humor rarely seen on screen and its impact doesn't seem to have faded. The show is revealed as a product of a pair of ambitious writers, a brilliant cast and the gently confident producer Geoffrey Perkins. Ardal O'Hanlon, Frank Kelly, Graham Norton, Neil Hannon and others pitch in with their reminisces of the show, the passion it inspired and their memories of the late, great, Dermot Morgan.
An excellent documentary - SundayBusiness Post
It established FatherTed as a unique show - big hearted, yet sneakily subversive, traditional yet surreal, unworldly yet brilliantly pop culture-savvy. Watching O'Hanlon, Kelly and Norton is great fun, yet the film has a melancholy edge too, with the absence of Dermot Morgan clearly still keenly felt by all involved. Lovely Stuff. - Time Out London ****
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Executive Producer: Jimmy Mulville | Editor: Brenda Morrissey |Camera: Richard Kendrick | Music: Neil Hannon/DivineComedy | Production Manager: Niamh Maher |
IFTA nomination - best documentary.
GILBERT O'SULLIVAN - OUT ON HIS OWN
Wildfire Films for RTÉ and BBC Four/ 2010 / 52 mins
A fascinating insight into the life and creative impulses of this unique solo music man who was once the worlds number one solo artist. While spending time with O'Sullivan at home in Jersey, as he tours and records in Israel, London and Nashville, we travel into the world of a complex and often difficult artist allowing us to witness some of the highs and lows faced by a performer whom many critics perceive to be past it.
An engrossing and witty portrait of an outspoken performer who refuses to retire, absolutely certain of his own value, ready to take on all his critics, single-minded and oddly engaging.
This was an excellent arts lives film - Irish Times
Makes for fascinating viewing - Hot Press
This terrific film was an absorbing portrait of a self-absorbed man who can be prickly and difficult - Evening Herald
A sometimes painfully honest film....O'Sullivan is a loquacious, candid, prickly, outspoken and playful. He seems a complex man who is unwilling or unable to grease the wheels of the music industry and the media. Radio Times.
Producer / Director: Adrian McCarthy | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Executive Producer: Martha O'Neill | Camera: Rónán Fox, Emmet Harte, Adrian McCarthy |
Exec Producer RTÉ: David McKenna | Music: Gilbert O'Sullivan
Film Festivals: Stranger Than Fiction / Gutha Gafa Film Festival / Jersey Film Festival.
GRAHAM LINEHAN-FUNNY BUSINESS
Wildfire Films Production for RTÉ / 2008 / 52 mins
A look into the fascinating world of the Irish-born writer/director whose credits include the IT Crowd, Father Ted, Black Books, Big Train, The Fast Show and Little Britain. While seeing how difficult it is to make TV comedy and talking to the cream of British comedy this documentary gives a unique insight into this complex and talented man.
A cracking profile of Linehan….a fascinating Arts Lives documentary about one of the most talented and influential comedy writers around…. The programme was a comedy writing masterclass……as assured an hour of television as you’re likely to see all year - Irish Times
It was a relief to spend an hour with a master of comedy - John Boland, Irish Independent
Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producers: Martha O'Neill and Adam Rynne | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Exec Producer RTE: David McKenna
CRASH
A Mint Production for RTÉ/ 2003 / 52 mins
Car crashes exist in our peripheral vision - a short report at the end of the news, a tattered bunch of flowers glimpsed at the side of the road. This award winning documentary shines a light on the tragic human effects of car accidents on Irish roads.
Young men maimed, little boys killed, grieving parents, bewildered and shamed siblings, CRASH was virtually unbearable.
A superb documentary- Sunday Tribune
The most shocking ever television expose of the cost of Irelands road carnage should be made compulsory viewing as it would save lives...a harrowing account- Irish Independent
An explosive documentary-The People.
Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producer: Maria Horgan | Exec Producer: Steve Carson | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Camera:Richard Kendrick | Sound: Dave Fannin
IFTA nomination best current affairs / Celtic Film Festival shortlist best documentary.
A MISSING GENERATION - AIDS in AFRICA
Wildfire Films Production for RTÉ / 2006 / 52 min's
This documentary spends time with people in East Africa whose lives have been taken over by HIV and AIDS. Hundreds of thousands of people from these regions have died - they call them the missing generation, including many of the nations teachers, nurses and doctors - parents gone leaving behind vast numbers of orphans. But within this bleakness there is hope.
A powerful documentary....which howled for our attention. With a documentary like this telling us how it is, none of us can claim we weren't told what was happening. - Irish Times.
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Executive Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Camera: Richard Kendrick | Sound: Mick Cassidy
Winner of Overall RADHARC AWARD for Best TV
SCHOOL No 1 -MISSION TO BESLAN
Wildfire Films Production for RTÉ / 2004 / 40 mins
1 September 2004, School No 1, in the small Russian town of Beslan was celebrating its first day back to school when it came under siege. Three days later over 340 people were dead, many of them children. Forty days after the tragedy we travel with Debbie Deegan from the Irish charity To RussiaWith Love to deliver the Irish book of condolences to this devastated community.
A deeply affecting documentary - Sunday Times
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | 2nd Unit Director: Liam McGrath | Sound: Dave Fannin
Selected for SILVERDOCS AFA -Discovery Channel Documentary Festival
Beslan School No.1 from Brenda Morrissey on Vimeo.
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT ROSS
Wildfire Films for RTE One | 2019 | 50 min's
This revealing documentary spends time with Paul Howard, the man behind Ross O’Carroll-Kelly. Described by the Irish Times as ‘Ireland’s pre-eminent satirist’ and by the Irish Independent as ‘one of the world’s funniest writers’, this documentary attempts to get inside the complex mind of workaholic wordsmith Paul Howard, a writer at the top of his career. The exploits of his greatest anti-hero creation Ross O’Carroll-Kelly have been the subject of hundreds of weekly newspaper columns over twenty years, as well as eighteen ‘Ross’ novels, selling well over a million copies. So what makes Paul Howard tick and how has he managed to keep the antics of this fictional south Dublin rugby jock so relevant and successful over two whole decades?
An affectionate portrait of a writer who has become an important part of the Irish literary establishment - Sunday Business Post
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Exec Producer RTE: Sarah Ryder | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Camera: Rónan Fox, Adrian McCarthy | PM: Rory Lorton |
TWO LUKES
Wildfire Films for RTE One and Dublin City Council | 2019 | 25 min's
You wait years for a statue of Luke Kelly and then two come along at once. On 30 January 2019, President Michael D Higgins unveiled two separate sculptures, on either side of the Liffey, of the legendary musician, social activist and singer with The Dubliners. The unveilings coincide with the 35th anniversary of his death. This documentary tells the entertaining story of how the people of Dublin ended up with two very different public sculptures of their hero, Luke Kelly.
What would Luke think about it? He’d say they have little to be doing, doing a statue of me. John Sheahan, The Dubliners.
A delightful, beautiful, heart warming little documentary with a big soul. - Ray D'Arcy Radio Show
This film was at its strongest in evoking the enduring affection for the folk singer, especially around his native Sheriff Street - Sunday Times
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Exec Producer RTE: Sarah Ryder | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Camera: Rónan Fox, Adrian McCarthy | PM: Rory Lorton | Photos: Gregory Dunn
LEAVING AGAIN
Wildfire Films for RTE One | 2018 | 52 min's
27-year old Irish broadcaster Stephen Byrne decided to re-sit his Leaving Cert exams, ten years after he did it the first time around.
In this honest, raw one-hour documentary, RTE Radio 2FM presenter Stephen returns to school. He describes his first Leaving Cert year as one of the worst of his life. He had moved school, was struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and, as one of Ireland’s first YouTube stars, had started working in RTÉ. Combined with the usual helping of teenage angst, the recipe resulted in disaster. And so he never actually opened his results; he ran home and shredded them instead !
This documentary is a revealing and intimate insight into a rollercoaster year in Stephen Byrne’s life. And he’s left wondering if The Leaving Cert is in fact detrimental to those many young people struggling with the expectations from schools and parents. He visits The Samaritans, who talk about the increase in calls they receive every year in the run up to exams. And while returning to his old school, Stephen revisits a turbulant year [2009] when he struggled to come to terms with his own sexuality; ‘I lay in bed praying, even though I didn’t know who I was praying to, that I wasn’t gay’. Peppered with flashbacks to his teenage years, the 10 months prove to be a testing experience. And concludes with the opening of his 2018 and 2009 exam results in August. Will it all be worth it?
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Ass Producer: Oda O'Carroll | Exec Producer RTE: Colm O'Callaghan | Exce Producer: Martha O'Neill | P.M: Rory Lorton | Camera: Ken O'Mahony | Sound & Photos: Gregory Dunn.
MY BROKEN BRAIN
Indiepics For RTE / 2018 / 60min's
Over 700,000 people in Ireland suffer from some form of neurological condition. As this number is set to increase as the population ages, the importance of brain research cannot be underestimated. Over the course of this documentary, we follow patients experiencing four such conditions; Epilepsy, Motor Neurone Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease – as they undergo testing, surgery and treatment. The contributors know that it may be too late for them, but all are willing participants in the science and research battles to find, if not a cure, then a better way to manage their condition. Their futures may be written but their present day stories are ones of resilience, love and family in the face of huge adversity.
Directors: Anna Rodgers & Adrian McCarthy | Producer: Carrie Nathan | Editor: John Murphy | Exec Producer: Conor Moloney
MAKING IRELAND CLICK
Wildfire Films for RTE One / BAI / 2016 / 4 x 25min Series
This campaigning four-part series, guided by Film Producer and Ireland’s Digital Champion, David Puttnam, explores the need for every citizen to be digitally literate. David’s aim is to encourage all citizens to do more with and embrace on-line technology in the way we live our lives at home, at work and in the way we educate the current and future generations. David believes society is now moving so fast with regards to technology, that if we don’t get on that train and get involved, we’re going to be left behind. While spending time with David Puttnam, Mícheál Ó’Muircheartaigh (whose new best friend is his laptop), teachers, elderly groups, students, families and small businesses, we get to closely examine the challenges and success stories that are driving this discussion.
Series Producer: Adrian McCarthy | Written and Edited by: Brenda Morrissey | Directors: Anna Rodgers & Adrian McCarthy Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Exec Producer RTE: Colm O'Callaghan
Camera: Eleanor Bowman | Researcher: Oda O'Carroll | Prod Manager: Rory Lorton
CROKE PARK LIVES
Wildfire Films for RTE/ BAI / 2010 / 52 mins
The All Ireland Football Finals, September 2009. On the pitch, a ferocious battle for the Sam Maguire cup. In the stands, 82,000 spectators cheer and weep. And behind the scenes, Peter, Pat, Robert, Shakila, Lenny, Pauline, Frank, Amy and their two thousand colleagues make it happen. Croke Park Lives takes us into the kitchens and canteens, reveals the secrets of the control rooms, slips into briefings and down tunnels, into a place we have never seen before, backstage, on the biggest day of the year. It brings us to meet the people of one of the worlds great stadiums and become part of one day in their lives.
A brilliant documentary - Ray D'arcy - Today FM
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Line Producer: Breda Walsh | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Ray Roantree | Directors: Liam McGrath, Ross Whitaker, Conor Horgan, Alan O'Connor, Aoibheann O'Sullivan.
INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT
Wildfire Films for RTÉ / 2012/ 60 min's
This observational documentary follows Irish Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn and his senior advisors and civil servants as they carry out the day-to-day business of running one of the countries largest government departments. Filmed over six months with unprecedented access, we witness the highs and lows of a Minister under pressure as he attempts to bring in reform while having to make controversial budget cuts.
A welcome and stylish insight into ministerial life...fascinating stuff that was for sure...made for riveting television - Sunday Independent
A compelling programme that revealed more than was initially evident - Sunday Times
An Intriguing insight into the life of a minister -Evening Herald.
Filmed & Directed by Adrian McCarthy | Producers: Adrian McCarthy & Martha O'Neill | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Sound: Gregory Dunn
Awards: IFTA winner, best editing, Brenda Morrissey (2012)
FAIRY WIFE -THE BURNING of BRIDGET CLEARY
A Wildfire Films Production for RTÉ in association with Irish Film Board and The History Channel / 2005 / 52 mins
On Friday 22 March 1895 in the small Irish village of Ballyvadlea in County Tipperary, RIC (Police) constables discovered a badly burned body in a shallow grave. It is the body of Bridget Cleary, a 26-year old woman who had met her death at the hands of her husband only days before. His motive? He believed she had been taken away by the Fairies. This film explores the events surrounding the burning of Bridget Cleary and the massive impact it had on the country at the time.
An absorbing Hidden History documentary. Alternalely chilling and blackly comic, the programme had the disorientating feel of a demented Oirish Horror movie - Sunday Times.
The story was evocatively told, making excellent use of locations, recreated testimonies and atmospheric camera work - Sunday Tribune
Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Úna Ni Dhonghaile | Camera: Rónán Fox | Composer: Ray Harman | Production Designer: Anna Rackard
LIFE AFTER DELL
Wildfire Films Production for RTE / 2010 / 52 mins
On Thursday 8th January 2009, the dreaded statement finally came. Dell workers in Limerick, Ireland arrived in their droves to the news that 1,900 of the 3,000 workforce would be laid off at the plant over the following 12 months. Manufacturing was moving to Poland as part of a massive cost cutting strategy. The first 450 layoffs would happen in May and the rest throughout 2009.
This documentary spends tweleve months with four very different families whose lives would be affected by the shocking news that day. We spend time in Limerick city and county and travel to Poland as we get to know these people as they brace themselves for an uncertain future.
A hard-hitting, moving and ultimately inspiring documentary. - Evening Herald.
Producer/Director:Adrian McCarthy | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Breege Rowley | Sound:Danny Crowley
Prix Europa Best Documentary Nomination
THE RIORDANS -TEA, TABOOS AND TRACTORS
Wildfire Films Production for RTÉ / 2009 / 52 min's
Thirty years ago, Ireland’s legendary television soap The Riordans came to an end after 15 years onscreen, causing a big outcry. Centred on a fictional Kilkenny farming family, it delivered domestic drama, high comedy, agricultural advice and broached controversial topics like contraception and marriage breakdown. Michael Riordan, one of its main characters, was played by the late Chris O’Neill and in this documentary his daughter, actor Aisling O’Neill (’Carol’ in Fair City), journeys back into her father’s past to rediscover this cutting-edge drama series and social phenomenon.
A moving and nostalgic portrait of an era when Mass times were altered, dishes wiped and babies tightly swaddled so that the entire country could sit down on the Draylon to discover the happenings the national broadcaster had cooked up for The Riordans of Leestown - Irish Times
Director: Gerry Nelson | Producer: Adrian McCarthy| Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Juangus Dinsmore | Camera : Richard Kendrick
RED MIST
Roy Keane and The Football Civil War
Wildfire Films Production made with support of The Irish Film Board, Setanta Sports and the BAI fund / 2007 / 58mins
Few Irish people will ever forget Saipan, May 2002 and the biggest ever bust-up in Irish soccer. But how many ever knew what actually happened on that tiny island in the Pacific? How did it come to pass that our captain and best player Roy Keane was sent packing from the World Cup by his own manager Mick McCarthy, just nine days before our opening match of the tournament? Red Mist is a creative feature documentary about an extraordinary moment in the life of a nation traumatised by a row between two big men in shorts on the other side of the world.
Based on "Red Mist: Roy Keane and The Irish World Cup Blues - A Fan's Story" by Conor O'Callaghan (Bloomsbury, 2004)
Not a good documentary, a great documentary. - Irish Daily Star
It's a brilliant film…..Zippy, evocative, poignant and often very, very funny …..A must see. Beg, borrow or steal a copy- Evening Herald
The best documentary I've ever seen - Derek Mooney, RTE Radio 1
Written & Directed by: Éamon Little | Producers: Adrian McCarthy, Martha O'Neill | Editor: Eamonn Little | Music: Darren Hendley | Animation: Kavaleer
IFTA nomination best sport 2008
WHOSE ART IS IT ANYWAY?
A Wildfire Films production for RTÉ Arts / 2011 / 52 mins
The last 25 years has seen a noticable increase in the number of permanent public sculptures in Irish towns, housing estates and roadways. How do these pieces get commissioned? Who is this art for? Who are the artists?
In this engaging documentary Joe Duffy explores the colourful and controversial area of public art. Joe visits Dublin and beyond to find out what these sculptures mean to the Irish public, meets the artists who created them and the decision makers behind the commissioning process.
Some of the best loved and less loved pieces of public sculpture feature in the programme, including Dublin’s most famous piece, the ‘Anna Livia’, as she makes a dramatic return to the banks of the River Liffey.
A Terrific documentary - Evening Herald
Both informative and genuinely entertaining. - John Boland, Irish Independent
Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producers: Martha O'Neill | Exec Producer RTE: David McKenna | Editor: Breege Rowley | Camera: Alan O'Connor, Rónán Fox
A Wildfire Films production for RTÉ Arts / 2011 / 52 mins
The last 25 years has seen a noticable increase in the number of permanent public sculptures in Irish towns, housing estates and roadways. How do these pieces get commissioned? Who is this art for? Who are the artists?
In this engaging documentary Joe Duffy explores the colourful and controversial area of public art. Joe visits Dublin and beyond to find out what these sculptures mean to the Irish public, meets the artists who created them and the decision makers behind the commissioning process.
Some of the best loved and less loved pieces of public sculpture feature in the programme, including Dublin’s most famous piece, the ‘Anna Livia’, as she makes a dramatic return to the banks of the River Liffey.
A Terrific documentary - Evening Herald
Both informative and genuinely entertaining. - John Boland, Irish Independent
Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producers: Martha O'Neill | Exec Producer RTE: David McKenna | Editor: Breege Rowley | Camera: Alan O'Connor, Rónán Fox
DEAD SILENCE
A Wildfire Films Production for RTE/ 2001 / 52 mins
In 2001 BSE (Mad Cow Disease) had been making headlines all over Europe. Politicians forced to resign while consumers feared the worst. One story remained untold – the devastating effect this can have on a farming family. This documentary is driven by the emotions, which two Irish farming families go through after discovering one of their animals has contracted the dreaded disease Once one sick cow tests positive it begins a traumatic chain of events
Beautifully shot and with dignified tales of suffering the, the documentaries sentimentality is in stark contrast with the sterility of the Orwellian department officials in their grey plastic suits and their function to serve the interests of the nation rather than the individual - Sunday Times
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producer: Teresa McGrane | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Camera :Rónán Fox, Peter Dorney, Gerry McArthur
Awards:
WINNER, Best European Documentary at Grand Prix Circom Regional
WINNER, Best Feature, Irish National Media Awards
Celtic Film Festival - Shortlisted for Best Documentary
A Wildfire Films Production for RTE/ 2001 / 52 mins
In 2001 BSE (Mad Cow Disease) had been making headlines all over Europe. Politicians forced to resign while consumers feared the worst. One story remained untold – the devastating effect this can have on a farming family. This documentary is driven by the emotions, which two Irish farming families go through after discovering one of their animals has contracted the dreaded disease Once one sick cow tests positive it begins a traumatic chain of events
Beautifully shot and with dignified tales of suffering the, the documentaries sentimentality is in stark contrast with the sterility of the Orwellian department officials in their grey plastic suits and their function to serve the interests of the nation rather than the individual - Sunday Times
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Producer: Teresa McGrane | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Brenda Morrissey | Camera :Rónán Fox, Peter Dorney, Gerry McArthur
Awards:
WINNER, Best European Documentary at Grand Prix Circom Regional
WINNER, Best Feature, Irish National Media Awards
Celtic Film Festival - Shortlisted for Best Documentary
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LIVING THE REVOLUTION
A Wildfire Films Production for TV 3 in association with Irish Film Board / 2002 / 52 mins
We join Sinn Fein’s controversial candidate Martin Ferris and party leader Gerry Adams on the run up to the Irish general election in 2002. Informal and honest we get a unique behind the scenes perspective on these controversial men and their motivations. We witness them deal with pre-election dramas including Ferris’s arrest for alleged vigilante activities.
An interesting and revealing insight into the life of a Sinn Fein family - Sunday Business Post
McCarthy’s undoubted skills as an observational film-maker emerged with this visually impressive and inventively constructed documentary. - Sunday Times
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Sé Merry Doyle | Exec Producer TV3: Jane Gogan
Winner Best Feature New York Film Fleadh
IFTA nomination best documentary
A Wildfire Films Production for TV 3 in association with Irish Film Board / 2002 / 52 mins
We join Sinn Fein’s controversial candidate Martin Ferris and party leader Gerry Adams on the run up to the Irish general election in 2002. Informal and honest we get a unique behind the scenes perspective on these controversial men and their motivations. We witness them deal with pre-election dramas including Ferris’s arrest for alleged vigilante activities.
An interesting and revealing insight into the life of a Sinn Fein family - Sunday Business Post
McCarthy’s undoubted skills as an observational film-maker emerged with this visually impressive and inventively constructed documentary. - Sunday Times
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Sé Merry Doyle | Exec Producer TV3: Jane Gogan
Winner Best Feature New York Film Fleadh
IFTA nomination best documentary
BLOWING THE WHISTLE
A Wildfire Films Production for RTE / 2000/ 52 mins
This film looks at the trials and tribulation of two top Gaelic Football referees as they proceed through the All-Ireland championship season. Gaelic football is the largest and most popular sport in Ireland. Passionate and entertaining throughout we also spend time with these men’s wives who struggle to deal with the constant abuse their husbands receive.
You could smell the blood, sweat and tears in this highly crafted and often very funny portrait of men under pressure. Great stuff. A revealing, beautifully made look behind the scenes at being a top GAA referee - Irish Times
‘This programme is a compelling study of humour and honesty but above all humanity’ - Irish Independent
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Exec Producers: Teresa McGrane, Martha O'Neill | Editor: Stephen Vickers | Camera: Richard Kendrick | Sound: Dave Fannin
Winner Best TV Sport, National Media Awards 2000
A Wildfire Films Production for RTE / 2000/ 52 mins
This film looks at the trials and tribulation of two top Gaelic Football referees as they proceed through the All-Ireland championship season. Gaelic football is the largest and most popular sport in Ireland. Passionate and entertaining throughout we also spend time with these men’s wives who struggle to deal with the constant abuse their husbands receive.
You could smell the blood, sweat and tears in this highly crafted and often very funny portrait of men under pressure. Great stuff. A revealing, beautifully made look behind the scenes at being a top GAA referee - Irish Times
‘This programme is a compelling study of humour and honesty but above all humanity’ - Irish Independent
Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Exec Producers: Teresa McGrane, Martha O'Neill | Editor: Stephen Vickers | Camera: Richard Kendrick | Sound: Dave Fannin
Winner Best TV Sport, National Media Awards 2000
PIGEON HEADS A Wildfire Films production for RTÉ / 2006 / 25 min's An entertaining insight into the obsessive and affectionate relationships which some Dublin people have with their racing pigeons. The pure unrestrained desire to see the first pigeon make it back home and win the race extends beyond the subject to the audience as you wish so much for his ambitions to succeed. A LITTLE COMEDIC GEM. - Belfast Film Festival. Producer/Director: Adrian McCarthy | Exec Producer: Martha O'Neill | Editor: Stephen O'Connell | Camera: Ciaran Tanham | Sound: Dave Fannin |