Irish film producer in line for Bafta

A FILM producer from north Cork is in line for a BAFTA award for her creation which stars one of Hollywood’s hottest actors, Michael Fassbender.

Gerardine O’Flynn, 34, who hails from Kilworth, was nominated for her film Pitch Black Heist.

She will be keeping her fingers crossed when the prestigious awards are announced on February 12 at the Royal Opera House in London.

A daughter of the late Dr Sean O’Flynn, Gerardine currently works in London, where she is production finance manager for films with Channel 4.

After leaving Ireland in 2000, Gerardine began her film and television career at Thames Television, which was followed by a move to Channel 4.

Within three years, she joined Film 4 where her responsibilities included managing the production side of all short films and low-budget features.

Last June, she took up a new role at Channel 4 as production finance manager for Film 4 and comedy.

The nominated 13-minute film produced by her, Pitch Black Heist, features Fassbender and fellow Irish actor Liam Cunningham, known for his roles in The Guard, Centurion and the Wind That Shakes the Barley.

“It was funded by Film 4 and the British Film Industry, which have schemes for higher budget short films,” Gerardine said.

“It was great to work with Michael Fassbender, he was the nicest man ever.” she said.

The producer, who lives in Tulse Hill in south-east London, said the film revolves around two professional safe crackers “who meet on a simple job to relieve an office safe from its contents.

“The catch is a light-activated alarm system impelling the men to embark on a pitch black heist, she said.

The film was screened at last November’s Cork Film Festival where it received much acclaim.

“If I win the award it will hopefully be a major boost for my career. I’m hoping to produce more short films,” Gerardine said.