Garry Talks

• #159 Alan Duggan & Gar O'Brien-Collins - Garry Talks: Film

  In this episode of "Garry Talks Film", Gar O’Brien-Collins, Executive of the WRAP Fund, and Alan Duggan, CEO of Ardán, discuss the evolving screen industry in the West of Ireland, focusing on talent development, regional funding, and the challenges of sustaining local Film, TV, Animation and Gaming production. They explore the impact of initiatives like the WRAP Fund and Screen West, the importance of mentorship, and the need for improved infrastructure. The conversation highlights the resilience of regional creatives, the value of local stories with global appeal, and ongoing efforts to decentralise the industry beyond Dublin and Wicklow.   - 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 & Focus on Talent Development (00:00:00) Overview of the episode’s focus on talent development in the West of Ireland’s screen industry. Podcast Introduction & Guest Backgrounds (00:00:16) Host introduces guests Gar O’Brien-Collins and Alan Duggan, and outlines the episode’s themes. Local Films, Global Audience (00:00:40) Discussion on the importance of local films with international appeal. Podcast Sponsorships & Network (00:00:51) Acknowledgement of podcast supporters and the GK Media Studios Creators Network. Alan Duggan’s Entry into Galway Film Centre (00:01:39) Alan’s background, joining Galway Film Centre in 2018, and the industry’s evolution. Shift in Funding Sources (00:02:25) Transition from Arts Council to Screen Ireland as main funder, and challenges faced. Gaming Industry in Galway (00:03:45) Early recognition of gaming as part of the creative sector and its growth in Galway. Challenges in Games Funding (00:04:26) Lack of funding for games, cultural perceptions, and recent changes in industry support. Music & Games Industry Crossover (00:05:28) Discussion on composers working in games and the cinematic quality of game scores. Alan’s Path in Galway Film Scene (00:06:02) Alan’s journey from volunteering at Galway Film Fleadh to programming and industry insights. Growth of Irish Film & TV (00:07:42) Exponential growth in Irish film, international reach, and key turning points. Success Factors for Producers (00:09:37) Hard work, risk, and support as keys to producers’ survival and success. Producer Resilience & Funding Challenges (00:10:29) The unseen work of producers, high rejection rates, and the need for resilience. Discretionary Funding & Rejection (00:11:53) The discretionary nature of funding, comparison to actors’ rejection, and the need for thick skin. Time Investment & Producer Attrition (00:13:03) Importance of quick feedback for producers and the high attrition rate in project development. Creative Masochism & Motivation (00:14:12) Why creatives persist despite challenges—love for the work and “creative masochism.” Producer Creativity & Career Choices (00:15:39) Producers as creatives, career pivots, and the drive to do meaningful work. Ardán’s Expansion & Talent Development (00:16:54) Growth of Ardán, focus on talent development, and new initiatives like the National Talent Academy. Financial Sustainability & Pathways (00:18:22) Challenges in funding organisational operations and creating clear pathways for filmmakers. Scheme Structure & Administration (00:20:17) Efforts to include administration fees in schemes to support organisational sustainability. Collaborative Industry Culture (00:20:53) The collaborative nature of the industry and Ardán’s approach to supporting others. EDI & Regional Inclusion (00:21:33) Efforts to support equality, diversity, and inclusion, especially for underrepresented communities. Regional Definition & Funding Specifics (00:22:30) Clarification of what counts as “regional” and the specifics of WRAP funding. Summits & Industry Events (00:23:05) Growth and impact of TV and games summits, and their role in networking and knowledge sharing. Networking & Industry Relationships (00:24:13) Importance of summits for peer networking and building industry relationships. Safe Spaces & Industry Openness (00:27:17) Creating safe spaces for open discussion and the national significance of the TV summit. From Pitch to Production: Obituary Case Study (00:28:16) How a project evolved from a pitch to an international co-production, illustrating industry pathways. City of Film & Ground-Level Impact (00:30:15) UNESCO City of Film designation and its benefits for local filmmakers. EDI in Practice & Accessibility (00:30:52) Practical steps taken to make events inclusive and accessible for all. Privilege, Empathy & Role Models (00:31:11) Recognising privilege, the importance of empathy, and the need for visible role models. Language, Criteria & Inclusion (00:33:49) How language in calls and criteria can impact inclusivity and participation. Iterative Process & Accessibility Costs (00:34:49) Continuous improvement in accessibility and the high costs of inclusion measures. Global Trends & Regional Funding (00:35:20) Contrasts between global trends in diversity and Ireland’s approach; importance of US funding. WRAP Fund & Commission Structure (00:36:27) Explanation of the WRAP Fund and Commission, their origins, and regional focus. Regional Production Challenges (00:37:44) Barriers to regional production, including travel costs and crew availability. Economic Impact of Regional Production (00:39:23) Economic challenges for regional crew and the impact of production on local economies. Regional Uplift & Funding Incentives (00:39:54) The effect of regional tax incentives on production spend and activity. WRAP’s Impact & Return on Investment (00:41:39) WRAP’s achievements, return on investment, and the importance of ongoing activity. Crew Retention & Ongoing Activity (00:44:09) Need for continuous production to retain crew and build regional capacity. Breaking Industry Inertia (00:47:13) Challenges of industry centralisation in Dublin/Wicklow and the need for intentional regional support. Studio Infrastructure & Production Types (00:49:24) Limitations in studio space and the types of productions suited to regions. Local Economic Benefits & Community Impact (00:51:15) How productions support local businesses and communities, with Donegal as an example. Persistence & Industry Evolution (00:52:27) The need for persistence in industry support and the ongoing nature of regional challenges. Western AV Forum & Lobbying (00:53:39) Role of the Western AV Forum in lobbying for regional funding and industry support. Regional Uplift vs. Discretionary Funding (00:55:00) Why automatic, agnostic funding (regional uplift) is crucial compared to limited discretionary funds. Forum Membership & Industry Voices (00:57:07) Diversity of voices in the Western AV Forum and the importance of collective advocacy. Policy, Legislation & State Aid (00:59:03) Complexities of changing policy, legislation, and state aid for regional incentives. Learning & Adapting Advocacy (01:00:36) Continuous learning in advocacy, adapting to new state aid maps and policy changes. Collaboration with Industry Bodies (01:02:11) Working with industry groups and producers to strengthen regional advocacy. Industry Complexity & Communication (01:18:12) The complexity of the industry and the need for clear communication with stakeholders. Screen West & Crew/Location Database (01:11:22) Development of Screen West as a crew and location database to support regional production. Mentorship & Peer Support (01:13:02) Mentorship programs and peer-to-peer learning to support emerging filmmakers. Market Access & Practical Support (01:15:43) Support for attending markets and practical help for filmmakers to access industry opportunities. Super Scout & Location Management (01:16:29) Introduction of Super Scout for improved location management and database usability. Maintaining Relationships & Industry Jigsaw (01:17:49) Importance of maintaining relationships and managing the many moving parts of the regional industry. Upcoming Productions & Infrastructure (01:19:29) Discussion of potential upcoming productions and the impact of new studio infrastructure. Returnable Series & Regional Sustainability (01:20:50) The importance of returnable series for sustaining regional industry and community. Scrappers & Success Stories (01:21:26) Celebrating the resilience of filmmakers who succeed against the odds. Conclusion & Acknowledgements (01:22:18) Closing remarks, gratitude for industry support, and encouragement to engage with regional initiatives.  

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• #158 Kids, Screens, and Secrets

  In this episode of "Garry Talks," Garry interviews Aoife Noone, founder of Think Smart Cyber, about the urgent issue of children’s online safety in Ireland. Drawing on his 25 years of cybersecurity experience, Aoife discusses the risks children face online, including sextortion, addiction, and mental health challenges. He highlights the need for education, parental involvement, and stronger digital safeguards. The conversation covers practical strategies for families, the impact of technology on wellbeing, and the importance of community and government action to protect young people in an increasingly digital world. For more information please visit... https://noonecyberservices.com/think-smart Home Internet Security from Cisco https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/   Further links and resources from Think Smart Cyber https://thinksmartcyber.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thinksmartcyber/ https://www.facebook.com/THINKSMARTCYBER     - 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 & Setting the Scene (00:00:00) Discussing the risks of giving children smart devices and the national digital crisis in Ireland.   Aoife’s Background & Motivation (00:03:36) Aoife’s 25 years in cybersecurity, personal loss, and the creation of Think Smart Cyber.   Development & Impact of Think Smart Program (00:06:48) Piloting the program, merging mindset and cyber skills, and the three-pronged approach (kids, parents, teachers).   The Digital War Zone & Government Inaction (00:09:34) Presenting to Leinster House, lack of government action, and the profit motives of big tech.   The Reality of Online Dangers (00:10:19) Stories of children affected by online harm, including suicide and mental health crises.   Three Key Areas of Impact (00:11:42) Mental health, education, and legal issues (sextortion, inappropriate images).   Sextortion Explained (00:12:21) How sextortion scams work, AI manipulation, and the spike in cases in Ireland.   Digital Footprint & Privacy Myths (00:17:04) Explaining to kids that nothing online is truly private, even incognito mode.   Capping, Deepfakes, and AI Risks (00:19:37) Live streaming risks, AI-generated nudes, and the emotional impact on children.   Legal Repercussions of Inappropriate Images (00:21:07) Coco’s Law, child pornography laws, and real-life cases of prosecution.   Normalization of Pornography & Its Effects (00:25:46) How repeated exposure to abusive content rewires young minds and impacts relationships.   Addiction & Screen Time Challenges (00:28:25) Rising tech addiction, school refusal, and the struggle to control screen time at home.   Parental Controls & Practical Solutions (00:31:19) Setting up separate WiFi, using OpenDNS, and automating controls to reduce arguments.   Devices in Bedrooms & Sleep Deprivation (00:33:45) Risks of devices in bedrooms, all-nighters, and increased mental health issues.   Generational Differences & Digital Immigrants (00:35:17) Explaining maturity, digital immigrants vs. digital natives, and the need for faster maturity.   The Social Dilemma & Algorithmic Manipulation (00:36:22) Netflix documentary insights, algorithmic targeting, and the psychological impact on children.   Language, Communication, and Societal Changes (00:40:29) Loss of language skills, new slang, and the decline in communication abilities.   Mental Health, Bullying, and Exclusion (00:41:15) Body dysmorphia, eating disorders, anxiety, and the breakdown of childhood relationships.   Importance of Talking & Trusted Adults (00:45:30) Encouraging open communication, mental fitness, and the role of trusted adults.   Holistic Approach & Community Talks (00:48:28) Community events, collaboration with experts, and empowering parents without blame.   Statistics on Parent-Child Communication (00:52:03) High percentages of children not talking to parents about online issues.   Empowering Siblings & Peer Support (00:54:27) Encouraging older siblings to educate and support younger ones.   Physical Health Impacts: Eyesight & Posture (00:56:08) Rising eyesight problems, spinal issues, and lack of public health warnings.   Bonding, Disconnection, and Early Childhood (00:59:04) Loss of parent-child bonding due to device use from infancy.   Societal Impatience & Loss of Values (01:01:42) Decreased patience, societal changes, and the need to reconnect with core values.   Covid’s Acceleration of Tech Use (01:03:14) Covid’s role in increasing device use and the lack of a collective approach.   Monitoring & Auditing Devices (01:08:47) Auditing apps, games, and device use; importance of parental oversight.   The Bike Analogy for Digital Safety (01:09:30) Explaining digital safety using the bike analogy: security, behaviour, rules, and monitoring.   Children’s Tech Savviness & Bypassing Controls (01:14:08) Kids’ ability to bypass controls and the importance of ongoing education.   Key Parental Actions & Takeaways (01:15:51) Remove devices from bedrooms, keep talking, set controls, and protect physical and mental health.   Social Pressures & Exclusion (01:18:06) Snap maps, social exclusion, and the societal impact of constant connectivity.   School Policies & Digital Curriculum (01:19:55) Inconsistent school policies, pressure to have devices, and the debate over digitalization in education.   Loss of Communication & Connection (01:22:54) Decline in face-to-face interaction, storytelling, and the importance of maintaining social skills.   Values, Kindness, and Authenticity (01:25:27) Encouraging kindness, core values, and authentic self-development.   Government Responsibility & Upcoming Report (01:28:39) Presenting findings to the government, need for support, and the call for mandatory programs.   Key Findings & Recommendations (01:29:43) Lack of government support, addiction trends, and the need for targeted workshops and staged tech introduction.   Final Thoughts & Call to Action (01:35:35) Community collaboration, gratitude, and hope for increased awareness and positive change.  

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• #157 Wellth Talks - What is enough?

  In this episode of "Wellth Talks" from the GK Media Studios Creators Network, hosts Garry Kelly, Pádraic Ó Máille, and Niall Leyden explore the question, "What is enough?" They discuss the balance between striving for more and finding contentment, focusing on financial planning, personal fulfilment, and the importance of aligning resources with values. Drawing on practical tools and philosophical insights, the hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own definitions of "enough" and to prioritize well-being, gratitude, and intentional living in both life and business.   Please visit: GK Media https://www.gkmedia.ie Atlantic Wealth Management https://atlanticwm.ie Pádraic Ó Máille Smácht https://omaille.ie Disclaimer: Niall Leyden is the Founder of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited, a firm that is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland to advise on and arrange a range of financial products. Please note that Niall’s comments in this podcast are made in a personal capacity and are not recommendations or financial advice and do not form part of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited’s regulated activity.   Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) GK Media Studios and Creators Network introduction; podcast hosts and show purpose. Introducing the Topic: What is Enough? (00:00:17) Hosts introduce the theme of "What is enough?" in life and business, and the human tendency to always want more. Personal Reflections on Contentment (00:01:17) Anecdotes about abundance, contentment, and the paradox of dissatisfaction despite material wealth. Defining "Enough" in Financial Planning (00:02:05) Discussion on balancing wealth, time, and energy; the importance of knowing what is enough financially. The Rule of 25/30 for Retirement Planning (00:04:17) Explanation of the "rule of 25 or 30" to estimate retirement needs and the importance of lifestyle choices. Inflation and Its Impact on Wealth (00:05:27) How inflation erodes purchasing power, with personal stories illustrating rising costs over time. Calculating Retirement Needs (00:07:24) Practical example of calculating how much is needed for retirement, considering longevity and lifestyle. The Importance of Freedom and Enjoying the Present (00:08:46) Emphasis on financial freedom, enjoying life now, and not postponing happiness until retirement. Global Perspective on Wealth and Gratitude (00:09:37) A global look at wealth distribution, privilege, and the importance of gratitude for basic needs. The Three Kinder Questions (00:11:22) Introduction and explanation of George Kinder’s three questions to clarify what is truly important in life. Summing Up: Energy, Time, and Simplicity (00:13:48) Advice on managing energy, time, and finances; keeping life simple and focusing on fulfillment. Closing Remarks and Outro (00:14:24) Encouragement to reflect on personal "enough" and invitation to future episodes.  

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• #156 John Murphy - Garry Talks: Film

  In this episode of "Garry Talks Film," host Garry chats with acclaimed Irish film editor John Murphy about his journey from college in Galway to editing Oscar-nominated films like "The Quiet Girl." They discuss the evolution of film editing, the impact of remote work, and the challenges facing the Irish film industry. John shares insights into editing across genres, his experiences on notable projects, and offers advice for aspiring editors, emphasising perseverance, collaboration, and passion. The episode highlights the unpredictable paths creative careers can take and the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing world of film.   - 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. Discovering Editing: Early Signs (00:00:00) John reflects on his early organisational tendencies and how editing became his calling, though he didn’t realise it in college. Introduction & Guest Background (00:00:13) Garry introduces John Murphy, highlighting his career and the creative role of editing in filmmaking. The Quiet Girl’s Impact (00:00:45) John discusses the cultural significance of "The Quiet Girl" in Irish cinema and language history. Podcast Sponsors & Network (00:01:05) Acknowledgment of podcast sponsors and promotion of the GK Media Studios Creators Network. College Days in Galway (00:01:24) Garry and John reminisce about meeting in film school in Galway in the late 1990s. Film School in the 90s: Technology & Exposure (00:02:40) They discuss the lack of streaming, exposure to world cinema, and the evolution of film education and technology. Learning Editing & Early Career Choices (00:06:05) John describes learning to edit on film, the physicality of the process, and how it shaped his editing mindset. Transition from First AD to Editor (00:07:28) John recounts his early roles as a first assistant director and his accidental entry into editing. First Big Break: Kilnaskully (00:10:45) John explains how he became editor for "Kilnaskully" at age 23 and the mentorship he received. Balancing Success and Struggle (00:12:19) John talks about the reality of working on a hit show while still hustling for assistant work in the off-season. Sustaining a Career in the 2000s (00:13:17) He reflects on the challenges and opportunities for young filmmakers during the Celtic Tiger era. Comedy Editing & Building a Reputation (00:14:40) John discusses becoming known as a comedy editor, working with Tommy Tiernan, and the importance of striving for excellence. Networking and the Galway Advantage (00:16:19) He explains how being based in Galway, a smaller industry hub, helped him build his career organically. Moving to Dublin & Career Growth (00:17:55) John describes his move to Dublin in 2010, the differences in work opportunities, and the shift to feature films. Remote Editing & Industry Changes (00:19:51) They discuss how COVID-19 changed the industry, enabling remote work and decentralising film production. Returning West & Remote Workflow (00:22:08) John shares how the pandemic prompted his move back west and how he adapted to remote editing. Editing The Quiet Girl Remotely (00:23:23) Details on editing "The Quiet Girl" from home, collaborating with the director via Zoom, and the challenges involved. First Assembly & Realising the Film’s Power (00:26:40) John describes the emotional impact of the first assembly of "The Quiet Girl" and the importance of casting. Oscar Nomination Experience (00:30:14) John recounts the moment "The Quiet Girl" received its Oscar nomination and the journey with the film’s team. Irish Language Film Revolution (00:33:35) They discuss the surge in Irish language films and the global acceptance of subtitled content. Watching Films as an Editor (00:34:52) John talks about his film-watching habits, the importance of consuming diverse content, and how it influences his work. Recent Influential Films & Editing Trends (00:37:03) John reflects on recent films and editing styles that stood out to him, including the difference between disposable and impactful cinema. Character vs. Story in Editing (00:40:50) Discussion on how editors bring out character over plot, with examples from different genres. Editing Comedy & Audience Testing (00:43:33) John explains the unique challenges of editing comedy, the importance of timing, and testing with audiences. Comedy and Drama: Emotional Response (00:45:24) They discuss how repeated viewing affects an editor’s emotional response to scenes, especially in comedy and drama. Recent Projects: Sanatorium & Báite (00:46:36) John talks about his recent award-winning documentaries and the recognition they’ve received. Editing Multilingual Documentaries (00:48:09) He describes the process and challenges of editing "Sanatorium," a Ukrainian/Russian language documentary. Upcoming Film: Saipan (00:52:00) John previews his work on "Saipan," its festival run, and the excitement around its release. Sports Docs & Drama Structure (00:52:50) He explains how editing sports documentaries taught him about structuring drama and maintaining tension. Current Work & Editing Process (00:55:08) John shares details about his current project on overtourism in Italy and his collaborative editing process. Advice for Aspiring Editors (00:55:44) John offers advice: perseverance, being sound, building relationships, and the role of luck in the industry. Advice for Working with Editors (00:58:58) Tips for directors: give editors space, be prepared, be open, and foster a positive, collaborative environment. Closing Remarks (01:00:13) Final thanks, well-wishes, and podcast outro.  

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• #155 Wellth Talks - The Book Club

  In this episode of "Wellth Talks" from the GK Media Studios Creators Network, hosts Garry Kelly, Niall Leyden, and Pádraic Ó Máille discuss the transformative power of books on personal and professional growth. They share favourite titles like "Atomic Habits," "The Power of Positive Thinking," and Jim Rohn’s "The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle," emphasising the value of rereading impactful works. The conversation also explores the benefits of audiobooks and podcasts as accessible learning tools, highlighting how consistent habits and lifelong learning contribute to success and well-being.   Please visit: GK Media https://www.gkmedia.ie Atlantic Wealth Management https://atlanticwm.ie Pádraic Ó Máille Smácht https://omaille.ie Disclaimer: Niall Leyden is the Founder of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited, a firm that is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland to advise on and arrange a range of financial products. Please note that Niall’s comments in this podcast are made in a personal capacity and are not recommendations or financial advice and do not form part of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited’s regulated activity.   Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) GK Media Studios and Wellth Talks podcast introduction, hosts and network information. Hosts Introduce Book Discussion (00:00:17) Garry introduces the episode’s focus on books, audiobooks, and personal development. Pádraic’s First Life-Changing Book (00:01:37) Pádraic shares how "The Power of Positive Thinking" transformed his outlook and started his self-help journey. Garry on Audiobooks and Napoleon Hill (00:04:14) Garry discusses the impact of Napoleon Hill’s lectures and the comfort they provided in early business days. Niall on Atomic Habits and Book Impact (00:05:41) Niall highlights "Atomic Habits" and other influential books, emphasizing small changes and the value of reading. Books and Family Reading Traditions (00:07:09) Pádraic recounts a family reading tradition and the power of books in personal growth. Podcasts, Audiobooks, and Changing Habits (00:08:28) Discussion on the shift from reading to listening, the rise of podcasts, and adapting to modern learning. The Value of Podcasts and Storytelling (00:09:28) Garry explains why he prefers podcasts for knowledge and storytelling over traditional books. Eat That Frog and Procrastination (00:10:29) Discussion of Brian Tracy’s "Eat That Frog," tackling procrastination, and the importance of doing difficult tasks first. Breaking Down Big Tasks (00:11:59) Advice on breaking big goals into smaller steps, referencing "Atomic Habits" and practical strategies. Atomic Habits in Wealth Management (00:13:12) Niall shares how "Atomic Habits" principles apply to client financial planning and long-term success. The One Thing and Focus (00:15:04) Niall and Pádraic discuss "The One Thing," focusing on priorities, and the value of rereading impactful books. Jim Rohn’s Five Major Pieces (00:16:42) Pádraic introduces Jim Rohn’s book, emphasizing daily disciplines and the influence of your closest circle. Podcast Wrap-Up and Book Encouragement (00:18:44) Closing remarks encouraging listeners to read, listen, and benefit from books in any format. Podcast Outro (00:19:21) GK Media Studios outro and end of episode.  

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