Karla's creative talents continue to shine in Kinsale
Karla Goodman, of Made to Measure Films, says: “Coming to Kinsale was a natural choice. Kinsale, in terms of business, has an international dimension with a number of American multinationals in the area with whom we have partnered on a number of projects.” Photo: Darragh Kane
Sometimes the same creative streak born in one generation successfully morphs into the next. Karla Goodman is living proof of this — an actress, producer and director who remembers the alluring whirr of active film stock from a very early age.
“Dad made amateur family cine-movies when we were young. I remember around the age of seven helping, as his assistant editor, cutting, splicing and gluing the Super 8 film in the basement of our home in Sussex. Writing short stories and attending drama club at school, storytelling became a really important part of my identity. Though I didn’t have any idea at the time, it probably encouraged me to do what I’m doing today.”
Karla established Made to Measure Films in 2014, a professional video production company to generate fun, unique and memorable videos, tailor-made to the specifics of customers’ needs. The company has worked with a wide range of clients, including RTÉ, Failte Ireland, Stryker, Biomarin, Standard Life, UCC, Graham Norton, Cork County Council and AIB.
“We understand that strategic messaging by large companies can sometimes get lost in the noise of social media, and needs major campaigns with authority to cut through to the public. That is what we do.”
Even now, years later, the lessons acquired in her early career continue to bear fruit: “I learned that if you treat people well, respect them and their skills, you get the best from them.”
Having initially started out as an actress working in theatre, film and radio, Karla was bitten by the creative bug right from the start of her career, sharing space with thespian luminaries like Miriam Margolyes, Minnie Driver and Michael Palin.
“My first role was playing Emily Brontë, a lovely experience, but I was also working as a gardener by day. At that stage of life, it was all about having side-hustles to support what you really wanted to do.”
Working behind the scenes on primetime shows such as Coronation Street and This Morning With Richard & Judy eventually led her to develop a career behind the camera.
“My background is totally embedded in storytelling, having started out in acting and directing and then moved into film and TV production.”
Made To Measure’s work is eclectic, generating videos for online content as well as B2B, short films and documentaries. The business premise is to create story-driven videos for businesses, campaigns, short films and documentaries.
“My role is producer/director is to take all the pre-production work to location and make it happen.” Such a dedicated work ethic no doubt helped her win the ‘Creative Professional’ award at the 2023 Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year awards.
Having lived in Kinsale since 2002, Karla’s creative ambitions found a natural home in a community that has long attracted artists from all over the world. “Coming here was a natural choice. Kinsale, in terms of business, has an international dimension with a number of American multinationals in the area with whom we have partnered on a number of projects.”
The town’s position as the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way also led to many projects promoting tourism and culture with Fáilte Ireland and Cork County Council. “Kinsale is also close to Cork City so we can take advantage of the business and networking opportunities on offer. I work with professional crews and Cork is a good base to source contract crews.”
Nearby international access is yet another plus: “Some of our projects take us overseas, and with Cork airport on our doorstep that makes travelling for work much easier.”
Being part of a thriving and ambitious town, with an active community, diverse businesses and budding creative initiatives made the perfect fit.
“We are surrounded by an exceptional cinematic landscape and the potential is huge for international storytelling. Locations for both corporate and broadcast projects in the area is exceptional.”
At home in a town brimming with a beguiling mix of heritage, culture and restaurants, Karla’s creative instincts are in their element.
“Kinsale is a very friendly, progressive town that is hugely supportive of local businesses. I received great support from local businesses and the Chamber when I first started my company, and that kindness and affirmation are invaluable. Over the last 24 years, I have formed many close friendships with local people that are an important part of my life and well-being.”
