Film in Limerick welcomed leading film producers and screen industry executives from Ireland, Scotland and Atlantic Canada for the official opening of the second Limerick Film Lab, an international initiative designed to strengthen creative partnerships and accelerate cross-border feature film co-production.
The Lab was officially opened by Mayor of Limerick John Moran, Priomh Chomhleoir Tom Ruddle, alongside Martin McDermott, Head of the Scottish Government Office in Ireland, reflecting the growing importance of cultural and economic collaboration between the three screen territories.
Hosted by Film in Limerick, through Innovate Limerick, in collaboration with Screen Scotland and Picture NL, and supported by Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, the four-day programme has quickly established itself as one of Ireland's most distinctive international screen industry initiatives.
The Limerick Film Lab brings together film producers with the people and organisations that can help get films made. Participants spend four days sharing ideas, developing projects, learning from industry experts and exploring opportunities to work together on future productions that can reach audiences worldwide.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, this year's Lab brings together producers developing ambitious feature film projects with international potential, creating opportunities to establish long-term creative and commercial partnerships while exploring new co-production opportunities across the three regions.
As international co-production becomes increasingly central to independent filmmaking, the Lab reflects a shared commitment by Ireland, Scotland and Atlantic Canada to develop globally competitive screen businesses while supporting distinctive storytelling rooted in place.
Opening the Lab, Mayor of Limerick John Moran said the initiative demonstrates how Limerick is positioning itself as a city that connects creativity, innovation and international opportunity.
"The Limerick Film Lab is much more than a networking event. It demonstrates our ambition for Limerick to be recognised internationally as a place where creative businesses can connect, collaborate and grow.
"The relationships formed here this week have the potential to develop into future productions, international investment and lasting partnerships. That benefits not only our screen industry, but also our wider economy, our tourism sector and our reputation as a city that welcomes talent and innovation from around the world and quite simply, is a City where fun and work overlap”
"Film is an industry built on collaboration, and it is fitting that Limerick has become a meeting point for producers from Ireland, Scotland and Canada who share a commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences across borders."
Speaking at the launch, Martin McDermott, Head of the Scottish Government Office in Ireland, said the Lab represents the type of international partnership that strengthens both cultural and economic ties.
"Scotland and Ireland already enjoy deep cultural connections, and our screen sectors continue to find new opportunities to work together. The Limerick Film Lab provides an outstanding platform for producers to build trusted relationships, exchange expertise and develop projects that can succeed internationally.
"It is particularly exciting to see colleagues from Atlantic Canada joining this collaboration. Together, our three regions share rich storytelling traditions, world-class creative talent and a common ambition to develop internationally successful screen industries. This initiative shows what can be achieved when governments and industry organisations work together to create opportunities for creative businesses."
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said the continued growth of the Limerick Film Lab highlights the region's emergence as an important hub for the screen sector.
"The Limerick Film Lab is a strong example of how strategic collaboration can generate real economic and creative opportunities. By bringing together producers, agencies, funders and industry experts from across three countries, the Lab is helping to build relationships that can lead directly to future productions and investment.
"Limerick has worked hard to establish itself as a premier location for film and television production, supported by world-class facilities, talented crews and a strong culture of innovation. Initiatives such as this reinforce our position as a globally connected city and region that is open for creative business."
Príomh Chomhairleoir Tom Ruddle added that the Film Lab underlines the value of investing in the creative industries and the opportunities they create for communities across the region.
"The film and television sector is an important contributor to our economy, but it is also a powerful way of showcasing our stories, our places and our people to international audiences.
"The Limerick Film Lab demonstrates the confidence that international partners have in Limerick and the Mid-West. It is creating opportunities for local talent, strengthening industry connections and helping ensure that our region continues to play an increasingly important role in the global screen industry."
Dennis Barry, CEO of Innovate Limerick also commented:
"The Limerick Film Lab reflects Innovate Limerick's commitment to developing high-growth creative industries that deliver lasting economic and cultural value for the region. Through Film in Limerick, we've built a strong platform to support talent, attract international partnerships, and position the Mid-West as a recognised centre for screen production. The Film Lab is another important step in that journey, creating opportunities for producers to collaborate, develop ambitious projects, and strengthen Limerick's reputation as a place where creativity and innovation thrive."
Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager with Film in Limerick, said the Lab has grown from an ambitious idea into an internationally recognised platform for collaboration.
"When we launched the first Limerick Film Lab, our ambition was to create meaningful connections between producers that would continue long after the programme ended. One year on, we know those conversations are continuing, new relationships have been formed and genuine opportunities for future collaboration are emerging. Limerick is increasingly recognised as a place where the screen industry can do business. Between our production infrastructure, our talented workforce, our growing international profile and the support available through Film in Limerick, we're proud to welcome delegates from across three countries to experience everything the region has to offer."
Across four days, participants will take part in a carefully curated programme exploring every stage of international feature film development. Sessions include discussions on audience strategy, financing and funding, international co-production models, producer case studies and project development, alongside dedicated networking and one-to-one meetings designed to spark future collaborations.
The programme also welcomes internationally recognised industry figures including Judy Lung, from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF); audience strategist Síle Culley; international screen consultancy Olsberg SPI; producers from Ireland, Scotland and Canada; representatives from Screen Ireland, Screen Scotland, Screen Producers Ireland and Picture NL; and a series of successful production companies sharing practical co-production case studies.
Beyond the conference programme, delegates will experience the wider Mid-West region through visits to Troy Studios, regional film locations and creative businesses before travelling together to the Galway Film Fleadh, further strengthening links across Ireland's screen ecosystem.
The Limerick Film Lab forms part of Film in Limerick's wider strategy to position the Mid-West as an internationally connected centre for film production, talent development and creative enterprise. By bringing together producers, agencies and funding organisations from three countries, the initiative continues to strengthen the region's reputation as a place where international screen partnerships are built.
As the global film industry becomes increasingly collaborative, the Limerick Film Lab demonstrates how regional initiatives can create international impact—connecting producers, unlocking new opportunities and helping bring the next generation of feature films to audiences around the world.
