IFTA announce Cork's Gar O'Brien as new Head of Film and Television

The Irish Film and Television Acadamy (IFTA) have announced Cork's Gar O'Brien as its new Head of Film & Television.

Mr O'Brien, who hails from Clonakilty, will take over from IFTA manager Deirdre Hopkins who moved to London to take up her new position as BAFTA's Head of Film.

Mr O'Brien is a graduate from the Huston School of Film and Digital Media at NUIG and holds a Master's Degree in Film, Society and Culture, with a Diploma in Audience Development and Marking in the Arts from the University of Ulster.

From 2010 to 2018, Mr O'Brien was Programme Director of the Galway Film Fleadh. This year Mr O'Brien was the industry manager for the Galway Film Flair.

In his new role, Mr O'Brien will drive the implementation of the Academy's new five year Strategic Development plan (2020-2024), which is to be launched in the next few weeks.

Key elements will include:

Expanding the Academy membership

Co-ordinating the Academy's 12 month Excellence and Learning Programme

Developing strategic partnerships and funding resources for two annual Award ceremonies

Liasing with international Academies such as AMPAS, BAFTA and Film Academies Network of Europe

Long term fundraising for an Academy Building for members and housing the growing Irish Academy archive

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Over the last ten years, Irish films have secured 30 Academy Award nominations, while the audio-visual sector in Ireland is currently worth more than €1 billion to the Irish economy.

Speaking about his new role, Mr O'Brien said: "I’m beyond thrilled to join the wonderful IFTA Academy team as it embarks on this exciting new phase of growth and development and to working closely with its CEO Áine Moriarty.

"Over the last 15 years, I have watched the Academy work tirelessly to help grow this industry and to inspire, encourage and recognise Irish talent and achievements. As the industry has grown, the Academy has become a central hub at the very heart of Ireland’s cinematic landscape with its ever-growing membership of inspiring screen professionals.

"I relish the opportunity to working with them and to bringing a fresh perspective to the next five years of growth and development.”

IFTA CEO Áine Moriarty said the academy was delighted to add him to their team: "Gar is an exceptional leader and a dedicated professional who is passionate about this industry and the work of the Academy.

"There is no doubt that his knowledge and extensive experience will be instrumental in helping deliver the Academy’s vision and strategic objectives over the next 5 years and bringing new and exciting opportunities to Irish Academy members and to the industry as a whole”.