Áine took over as Chair of the Celtic Media Festival in 2024 having previously served as an executive board member since 2009.

Áine Walsh is Head of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund at Northern Ireland Screen, a position she has held for over 17 years.  Recent key projects supported during her tenure include the multi award winning drama features Kneecap and Aontas; crime drama series Crá; Celtic animé series Lí Ban; Rocky Ros Muc, former CMF winner and the first Irish language feature documentary to be considered for an Oscar; Doineann, the first Irish language feature drama shot entirely in NI and winner of an RTS NI award; short feature animation Sol which won the Sandford St. Martin and RTS NI children’s category awards and Gradaim Chumarsáide an Oireachtas award winners M’ainm, Mo Scéal, the kids’ series for Cúla 4 and drama doc Séamus Mac Murchaidh:Díolta Faoina Luach.  

Áine is also responsible for the Co-development initiative between Northern Ireland Screen and the Canada Media Fund, which has been running for the past seven years.  The initiative supports Canadian and Northern Ireland based companies in the development of projects across all genres.

Before joining Northern Ireland Screen Áine had spent 10 years working in production - in UTV, working across entertainment and documentary programmes and also as a radio presenter and producer at BBC NI.

Alan Bradley is a multi-award-winning Irish documentary filmmaker. He won the Young Director Award for Documentary at Cannes 2024 and has been selected as a ‘One to Watch’ for 2024/25 by the TV Foundation UK. Alan's recent work includes STALKED for VMTV, Bad Nanny, Anorexia: My Family and Me (narrated by Angela Scanlon), and Invisible Men: Ireland’s Incels for RTÉ. Alan directed and produced the ground-breaking, Radharc Award-winning RTÉ documentary Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost, which highlights the crisis of alarmingly high suicide rates in the Irish Traveller community through the devastating story of 12-year-old Patrick McDonagh from Finglas, Dublin. The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, stated: “There are so many reasons I could think of why this film should be seen in every household, and it would be just incredibly valuable if it were seen in every school.” (www.alan-bradley.com) 

After more than a decade working in the financial sector, Alberto shifts his career to pursue his true passion: the audiovisual industry, in all its forms—as the director of a film festival, through collaborations with industry associations, as an executive producer, and more recently, as the founder and CEO of Treboa.
His credits as executive producer include Lume (2024), A Diestra y Siniestra (2023), Chegar a Casa (2021), and O Sabor das Margaridas (2020 and 2018) which received the Mestre Mateo Award for Best TV Series and the Galician Culture Award.

Alex Harron is a documentary Producer/Director  based in Scotland. He has a passion for documentaries focusing on striking personal stories in the world of sporting achievement. He completed his first feature documentary ‘Bend Don’t Break’ in 2018 (available to watch on Amazon Prime). He received funding through the Scottish Documentary Institute’s Bridging the Gap programme to produce the short film 'The Racer', which was screened at film festivals including Vancouver International Film Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival. 'The Racer' was then developed into a 30 min TV documentary for BBC Scotland in 2019 with the help of Ross Wilson as Executive Producer. Alex received a nomination at Edinburgh TV Festival New Voice Awards for Debut Director.  His next film was a 1-hour documentary for BBC Scotland called ‘The Boxer’ again with Ross Wilson as Executive Producer. It went out in July 2020 and was nominated at the Celtic Media Festival for Best Sports Documentary and by Royal Television Society for Best Sports Programme. In 2023 Alex completed his third documentary for the BBC Eilish McColgan: Running In The Family about the mother, daughter relationship between Liz and Eilish McColgan which was shown on BBC One.  He is currently developing numerous projects for TV and cinema.

Alfonso López joined Portocabo in early 2019 as Head of Production & Business Development, when the company began the consolidation of its productions both nationally and internationally and with continuous growth since then.

With an extensive experience in the management, production, and content distribution for the international market, he has worked in the last productions of Portocabo; likethe multi-award-winning series Hierro (Movistar Plus & ARTE) Rapa (Movistar Plus+), The Envoys (Paramount Plus), Honor (Atresmedia), The Argonauts and the Gold Coin (RTVE) or Weiss & Morales (RTVE and ZDF). 

Previously he worked in Los Angeles, California, leading the Kew Media Corporation distribution team for Latin America and the Hispanic market in the United States. He also held an executive position for Content Media in London, managing a content portfolio of over 9000 hours for all over southern Europe.

Alfonso holds a Master's degree in Production and Management Audiovisual Content from the University of A Coruña and he is a renowned executive, attending to the most prestigious international markets such as; Mipcom, MipTv, Natpe Miami, Kidscreen Summit, DISCOP, LA Screenings, AFM, Rio Content Marquet, BAM Colombia, MipCancún, Conecta Fiction, Content London, etc

Antaine Ó Donnaile is a producer and director based in Armagh, with a career devoted to telling compelling stories through the Irish language. He is co-director of Macha Media, a prolific independent production company recognised for creating thoughtful and engaging Irish language content. Antaine’s work often blends the traditional with the contemporary, exploring the richness of the Irish language and its history while also celebrating the vitality and relevance of the Irish language in contemporary life.
Recent work includes the award-winning documentary Séamus Mac Murchaidh – Díolta Faoina Luach (BBC Gaeilge), a powerful exploration of the life and legacy of the South Armagh outlaw that was made with support from the ILBF.
A former executive producer and Irish language commissioner at BBC Northern Ireland, Antaine was closely involved in the early development of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, serving for many years as the BBC’s representative on the ILBF investment committee. Since founding Macha Media in 2012, he has continued to support the wider industry — in recent years through delivering the ILBF’s New Entrants Training Scheme, helping to nurture the next generation of Irish language talent.

Arabella Page Croft is the BAFTA-winning executive producer, founder and CEO of Glasgow-based Black Camel Pictures, the Scottish scripted indie she runs with her producing partner Kieran Parker. The company has a first-look deal with All3Media International. 

Arabella’s executive producer credits include the UK's first high-end Gaelic language drama AN T-EILEAN (THE ISLAND) for BBC ALBA, which premiered to record viewership and critical acclaim across BBC ALBA, BBC Four and iPlayer in early 2025, ANNIKA S1 & S2 for UKTV & PBS Masterpiece, starring Nicola Walker, which has garnered a massive audience via BBC One and iPlayer, and the upcoming action-adventure series GIFTED for CBBC and ARD/NDR. She executive produces and directed the BAFTA-winning iPlayer drama FLOAT S1 & S2 for BBC Scotland and also executive produces the BAFTA-winning children’s animation series THE BRILLIANT WORLD OF TOM GATES S1-S3 for Sky. 

Her feature film credits include FALLING FOR FIGARO starring Danielle Macdonald and Joanna Lumley, SUNSHINE ON LEITH starring Jane Horrocks and Peter Mullan, LEGACY starring Idris Elba and the action horror trilogy OUTPOST. 

Bjorn Hanson is a BAFTA-winning producer at Black Camel Pictures in Glasgow. He produces the queer drama FLOAT (S1 & 2, 12 X 10') for BBC Scotland, which won the award for Best Short Form Series at Series Mania 2022 and the BAFTA Scotland 2024 award for Television Scripted. He is a producer on the UK's first ever high-end Gaelic language drama AN T-EILEAN / THE ISLAND (4 x 47') for BBC Alba, which premiered in January 2025. Bjorn is currently in post-production on GIFTED, a 10 x 28' children's action adventure series for CBBC and ARD/NDR. Bjorn was an associate producer on Black Camel's hit crime drama ANNIKA (S1 & 2, 12 X 47'), starring Nicola Walker, for UKTV and Masterpiece PBS. He holds a BA in Transatlantic Relations from Sciences Po Paris, an MA in Fiction Film Production from the Kinoeyes Erasmus Mundus programme and an MFA in Advanced Film Practice from Edinburgh Napier University, where he was named Young Alumnus of the Year in 2022. He speaks fluent English and French. 

Cathy MacDonald is a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, presenting a daily magazine lunchtime show, as well as being one of the regular presenters on Radio Scotland’s Sunday morning programme, Sunday Morning With. She is also an experienced television presenter, appearing on BBC Alba’s Hogmanay Ceilidh, Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire, and various documentaries – the most recent, a profile of the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen. She runs her own production company Bùrach Productions.

Charlotte Berman is Business Director at Red Bee Creative where she plays the lead role across visual identity and campaign projects for major broadcast and streaming clients including Warner Bros. Discovery, Apple TV+, RTÉ and TV Licensing. Prior to this Charlotte spent four years at ITV as the driver, collaborator and main point of liaison between internal teams and external agencies, developing multi-media and award-winning campaigns for ITV’s most high-profile shows. The earlier years of Charlotte’s career were spent at Ogilvy, where she worked with British Airways’ Global and UK marketing teams. She was responsible for taking customer, campaign and channel insights, and devising strategies for engaging, converting and retaining customers via targeted messaging across all touchpoints. And of course, you might recognise Charlotte from her recent stint on Season 3 of The Traitors UK, where she played a bold and memorable game as both a Faithful and a Traitor.

Born and raised in the Conamara Gaeltacht, Ciarán Charles is a producer and co-founder of Fíbín Films alongside Darach Ó Tuairisg and Bernadette Hoban. 
In 2024, Charles broke new ground with CRÁ, a mystery Gaelic noir series set in Donegal which has been a hit on TG4, BBC NI, BBC iPlayer before becoming the first Irish language programme to get a BBC Network slot on BBC 4. He also co-produced WASHH, a Malaysian – Irish co-production which won the Golden Leopard at Locarno Film Festival 2024.

Based in Galway and Cushendall, Fíbín Films is a vibrant home for brilliant creative people who share their passion for original movies and television.

Conall Devlin is an Associate working across the Film, TV, Sports, Theatre and Digital Media Groups at Sheridans, a leading media and technology law firm in London. Conall advises on a broad range of media, entertainment and sports matters, including for rights holders, clubs, talent, agencies, production companies and creative studios. He specialises in the development, production, financing and exploitation of sports content across traditional and new media platforms.

David Harron is Commissioning Executive, Factual at BBC Scotland.  Recent credits include Murder Case, Inside Barlinnie, Real Kashmir FC, Yes/No: Inside The Indyref, Murder Trial, Salmond & Sturgeon: A Troubled Union and Scotland 78: A Love Story.

Deborah started her career as a Theatre Director and Producer before moving to the BBC to set up the Asian Network’s soap opera Silver Street. From radio, Deborah moved to BBC television as Diversity Producer setting up and running three series of the award winning EastEnders E20 before becoming Story Producer for EastEnders. Deborah moved into the world of feature films as Head of Talent Development and Production for Film London, delivering domestic and international film training as well as running feature film funds. Deborah moved from Film London to Cinestaan International Film Studios, making and selling feature films for both the international and domestic markets including Bollywood smash hit Gully Boy, Oscar nominated Cold War, and critically acclaimed animation Bombay Rose. Deborah returned to BBC Studios in November 2019 where she is now the Creative Director, overseeing the soaps, medical shows and cosy crimes, as well as a slate of new productions in various stages of development. Deborah also oversees training for Scripted at BBC Studios.

Deirde Ní Choistín is Director General of TG4. Deirdre was TG4’s first Head of News and Current Affairs. She was appointed in 2022 with responsibility for developing a strategy and vision for TG4’s news and current affairs. She was also Editor of current affairs series Iniúchadh TG4 and of children’s news service Nuacht Cúla4. Deirdre has over twenty-five years experience in TG4, having begun working with the station in 1999, shortly after the channel rebranded from TnaG to TG4. She was a Producer and Director for fourteen years. She established MOLSCÉAL, a popular online news and entertainment platform for TG4’s core Irish speaking audience in 2017. Prior to being appointed as Head of News and Current Affairs, she was TG4’s Communications Manager from 2019 to 2022 where she implemented an innovative new multi-platform communications strategy.

Doireann Nic Dhomhnaill is the Irish Language Broadcast Fund Manager at Northern Ireland Screen.  With a current annual budget of just over £4 million, the ILBF supports Northern Ireland based production companies to produce around 50 hours of television content which is mainly broadcast on TG4, BBC NI and RTÉ.  The Fund also supports Irish language audio content and digital content including educational resources.  The ILBF also has a large training remit and Doireann oversees a range of skills initiatives for those working or aspiring to work in the Irish language production sector.  

Dr Kingsley Marshall is an academic and film producer based in Cornwall whose research is focused on the use of technology in screen media, and the working practices and processes that drive film and television production. A prolific writer and speaker - including at conferences hosted by Oxford University, New York University, and the University of London - he has interviewed dozens of filmmakers and published extensively on the work of David Lynch. Over the last two years, Kingsley has worked as principal investigator on the £1.04m Innovate UK funded R&D project Charismatic. Kingsley has over a decade of experience of film production, across music video, narrative and documentary feature films, and is developing the TV documentary series Nevermade – which utilizes AI - with his Cornwall-based production company, Myskatonic.

Dr Rachael Jones is a filmmaker-researcher whose practice explores the use of tools and material objects for active looking and creative engagement. Often extending her practice to involve others in the filmmaking process, her films and writings are made up of multiple playful assemblages that rely on collaboration. Rachael worked as a research associate on Charismatic, drawing upon her recent work aims at demystifying the filmmaking process using filmmaking and animation techniques to creatively connect participants with creative practice.

Eddie Doyle is Senior Head of Content Commissioning for BBC Northern Ireland. Eddie is responsible for BBC Northern Ireland’s Commissioning Department. He commissions local and Network content, drives Nations-to-Network commissioning strategy, and established BBC NI’s successful partnership scheme with BBC Three and Northern Ireland Screen.
 
Previously, he worked at RTÉ in Dublin, where he commissioned The Young Offenders and Mrs Browns Boys, and launched and ran the investigative documentary strand Prime Time Investigates.
 
Eddie is from Belfast. He joined BBC NI in February 2018, to run in-house production, and was appointed to his current position in September 2019. He studied Law at Trinity College Dublin, has a Masters in Journalism from Dublin City University, and Diplomas in Strategy & Innovation from the Irish Management Institute. He has worked in print journalism, TV production and commissioning across multiple genres in the UK and Ireland, and received Ireland’s TV Journalist of the Year Award in 2001 for his work in Afghanistan.

Elaine is Project Manager for the UK Global Screen Fund at the BFI and was previously Production Executive for the Young Audiences Content Fund. Her background is primarily in children’s television and animation production. She was Script Editor on Series 3 of Go Jetters, on comedy education series Ask Lara, and on Toot the Tiny Tugboat; and was a Development and Animation producer at Red Kite Animation, Super Umami and Once Were Farmers in Scotland, before moving to Manchester in 2018, where she has also worked for BBC Children’s and Kilogramme Animation.

Emer is Northern Ireland’s Brightest comedy star. Emer flawlessly blends laugh out loud musical comedy, devilishly quick wit, and Northern Irish charm.

Emer is a four time TEDx speaker, an international award winning science communicator, and a double Irish Radio Award winning BBC presenter. Her debut musical comedy show ‘Emer Maguire: Hilarious Humans’ sold out its entire run at Edinburgh Fringe 2019 with unprecedented demand. Emer has sold out shows across Northern Ireland, performing in iconic venues such as the Ulster Hall, the Grand Opera House, the Waterfront Hall, and the Mac. 2025 sees Emer perform her brand new show ’Notions’ in the Grand Opera House in Belfast. Emer can be seen and heard across TV and radio. She is regularly featured on BBC radio, and has been a guest on BBC TV’s the Blame Game. She is also the team captain on BBC’s brand new comedy panel show, Hot Takes. Emer recently starred in new BBC NI sitcom, ‘How’s She Cuttin’.

Emer is also passionate about all things communication. She is a qualified speech and language therapist, and as an autistic adult, she is a patron of Lancefield Private Autism Clinic in Belfast.

“A figurehead for aspiring female stand ups”

Sunday Times

“One of the most unique comic prospects in the country”

Daily Mirror NI

“Indie Victoria Wood”

BBC Radio Ulster

“While other comics rely on characters…Emer Maguire’s character is…Emer Maguire. A person so relatable, daft and plain old funny - there’s no need for fake wigs or silly voices. Just Emer, unfiltered - a truly Hilarious Human”

Daily Mirror

Esyllt Sears is a stand-up comedian, comedy writer and one of the presenters of the Comedy Club on BBC Radio 4 Extra. She has provided tour support to Elis James, Stuart Laws and Jen Brister, and co-hosts The Pod of Wales podcast with Kiri Pritchard-McLean and the multi award nominated I’m So Not Over It podcast with Gareth Gwynn. She has performed on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 4 Extra and BBC One Wales in English and on S4C in Welsh. She has also written for The News Quiz and The Now Show (BBC Radio 4); Elis James’ sketch series, and two of his stand-up specials (S4C); What Just Happened? (BBC One Wales); I Can’t Get Over 2024, and Welcome Strangers (BBC Radio Wales); and The Rest Of Us (BBC Radio 4).

Gareth has been Chief Executive of Rondo Media since 2008.  Rondo is one of the largest independent production companies in Wales employing over 80 full time staff and with production bases in Caernarfon, Cardiff and on Anglesey.  Gareth started his career as a BBC trainee producer in 1998 and later joined independent production company Opus in 2001 where he produced several documentaries, music and event programmes.   He was appointed Chief Executive of Opus in 2006 before being one of the founding directors of Rondo Media two years later.  Gareth has worked as an executive producer and co-producer of content for a wide range of broadcasters and has been a juror for the International Emmy Awards.  From 2018 until 2021 Gareth was Chair of the trade industry body for Welsh production companies, TAC (Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru).  Gareth is also a director of Yeti Television, Aria Studios and the music charity Anthem.

Gavin Halpin is the Managing Director of Paper Owl Films, which he co-founded in 2012. Since graduating with a 1st class honours degree in Film and Communications from the Dublin Institute of Technology, Gavin has held almost every position in the industry. His experience has given him a unique perspective on the creativity, resilience and belief it takes to create award-winning content. Gavin is a driving force in Paper Owl Films as the key business affairs contact and Executive Producer.

Gavin is Northern Ireland Screen’s first Facilities and Sustainability Manager, responsible for the development of the local screen industry’s sustainability strategy and policies. Prior to this role Gavin worked across a variety of productions within in the Locations Department, including Game of Thrones, The Northman and Dungeons and Dragons.  These experiences heavily influenced his practical approach to Sustainability.

Geraint Evans is Chief Executive of S4C. Since joining S4C in 2019, Geraint has been News and Current Affairs Commissioner, Director of Content and Publishing Strategy and Interim Chief Content Officer. He's been responsible for developing S4C's digital news service, leading the commissioning team and developing a multi-platform content publishing strategy. Before joining the channel, he was a journalist with ITV Cymru Wales for 25 years, as a Correspondent on the current affairs series Y Byd ar Bedwar, then as Series Editor and Head of ITV's Welsh Programmes.

As Chief Executive he is a Member of the S4C Board, leads the Senior Leadership Team and chairs the S4C Commercial Board.

Heidi joined Northern Ireland Screen in January 2022 and is responsible for overseeing the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund (USBF). Established in 2011, the USBF’s aim is to foster the Ulster-Scots independent production sector in Northern Ireland by funding high-quality TV, radio and digital content that reflects Ulster-Scots heritage, culture and language. The USBF also supports new entrant media trainees, many of whom have gone on to produce, direct and even star in USBF-funded productions. Heidi’s role involves engaging with key stakeholders including broadcasters, production companies and community representatives, and she is proud to have instigated USBF sponsorship of the Celtic Media Festival since starting her role.

Irial Mac Murchú, is Nemeton’s CEO and owner. Coming from a background in journalism, Irial started in production in 1994 and went on to produce and direct several award-winning documentaries and sports programmes. He now runs the company he founded over 30 years ago and has built it into one of Ireland’s biggest TV and web production companies, having most recently won several tech-production contracts. The company is a key driver of the creative and TV technology industries in the South East of Ireland. Irial is a former board member of Screen Producers Ireland.

Isibéal Ní Cheallaigh is from Dublin and has completed a Primary School Teaching Degree at Marino College, Dublin.  She is also studying for the MA (Professional Media Practice) at University of Galway.  Isibéal is a singer songwriter and describes herself on her Instagram account as a "campfire guitarist".  She regularly performs around Galway.  Isibéal teaches Irish language classes in Galway city in tandem with her studies at the University. 

Jackie Neill is a broadcasting expert with 30+ years editorial leadership and radio production experience at BBC Northern Ireland. Established as one of Northern Ireland’s most experienced radio professionals with profile and contacts across UK & Ireland. 

In 2020 Jackie set up Headgirl Media Ltd and has been producing radio programmes as well as working as a trainer, mentor and consultant across the industry.

Jackie has a track record of developing and supporting new talent in front of and behind the microphone.  As the Station Manager of Northern Ireland’s biggest radio station – BBC Radio Ulster, Jackie was responsible for smooth running of BBC Radio Ulster on air and behind the scenes.  This involved commissioning and scheduling processes, managing compliance regulations, emergency contingency planning, safety management at outside broadcasts and recruitment and talent development.

Strong editorial leadership skills were developed as the Executive Producer of award-winning satirical comedy, sit-coms, live music, entertainment, documentary & magazine programmes.   All this came with day-to-day talent management of some of Northern Ireland’s best-known presenters. 

Jackie is has also trained as BBC Mentor. And earlier in her career was a producer with BBC Radio 2 and BBC 5 Live in Birmingham & London

For ten years Jackie was a committee member of the IMRO/PPI Irish Radio Awards Board and for almost 20 years Jackie has been a regular member of judging panels for the SONY, ARIA, PPI, IMRO and Celtic Media Awards.

John Morrison is the chairman of MG ALBA, the company that partners with the BBC to deliver BBC ALBA and its digital platforms. He is also the Managing Director of Morrison Media, a leading PR, Public Affairs and Media Training company.  Previously John was Scotland Correspondent with BBC News and also had stints as Europe correspondent and Chief Political Correspondent. He continues to work as a broadcaster, presenting the award-winning Spors na Seachdain on Saturday mornings on BBC Radio nan Gaidheal. 

Joseph Hoban leads the overall brand function at RTÉ, Ireland's national public service media organisation. As Head of Group Marketing, Communications, Social Media, Events and Partnerships, Joe works with his teams across RTÉ to  develop and deliver top-rating advertising, brand, promotional and partner campaigns, as well as delivering a best-in-class corporate and consumer communications, social media and events function. Joe is responsible for a range of key CSR programmes, including RTÉ Supporting the Arts, Ireland’s biggest arts media support scheme. An experienced board member, formerly for Literature Ireland and the Steering Group of Media Literacy Ireland, he was also Chair of the EBU's (European Broadcasting Union) Communications Directors Expert Group for ten years, and is currently on the Executive Committee of the Celtic Media Festival. 

Josh is the Lead In-House Editor at Beagle Media, where he works across corporate, commercial, and broadcast projects. In broadcast, Josh contributed to programming for the BBC, Channel 4, and Discovery. Most notably, he worked across two seasons of Cornwall Air 999 (Discovery), where he played a key role in footage management, story shaping, and field logistics. His work included overseeing daily data wrangling, managing consent processes, and producing initial story edits, providing a crucial bridge between production and post.

Justin is an executive producer for BBC NI with a range of experience across scripted and unscripted with notable credits in Feature Docs, Natural History, Specialist Factual, Sports Docs, Factual Formats and single TV Docs. Credits include: BAFTA nominated and Grierson winning Patrick Kielty: My Dad, The Peace Deal and Me, Grierson winner Wild Ireland,  Celtic Media Award winning A Different League-The Derry City Story and Road, Carl Frampton: Men in Crisis, Young Plato, Bobby Sands: 66 Days and Beauty Queen and Single (RTS). He also oversees BBCNI’s acclaimed single doc strand True North for Our Lives.

Laura Beatty is Deputy Managing Director at Image Now, a leading Irish brand strategy and design agency. She previously spent 18 years at RTÉ, where she held a range of senior roles, most recently as Head of Brand and Marketing. With over two decades of experience in marketing and communications, Laura specialises in helping organisations define their purpose, build meaningful brands, and connect with audiences. Her work spans the media, cultural, and public sectors.

Laura is a Commissioning Editor with TG4, developing, commissioning and managing a slate of factual, music, historical and entertainment projects.  She is also responsible for acquisitions, complementing the indigenous content in the TG4 schedule with the best of drama, documentaries, lifestyle and films from around the world.

Prior to taking up her role with TG4, Laura was a successful and an award-winning freelance television producer and director for TG4 & RTÉ.  Credits include IFTA and Celtic Media Award winning documentary, ‘Páidí Ó Sé – Rí an Pharóiste’, musical entertainment series ‘Ceolchuairt’ and the IFTA winning, ‘The High Hopes Choir’

Laura is a seasoned distribution executive with over 18 years of experience from tenures at both major and independent studios; NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., Aardman.

Now working as both a distribution consultant and bespoke distributor. Laura helps clients navigate complex digital eco-systems, future proofs their global distribution models, creating audience development strategies and unlocking new revenue streams. Known for delivering actionable strategies tailored to client needs, Laura is passionate about aligning content lifecycle management with evolving consumer behaviours.

Laura is a full voting member of BAFTA and has voted for BIFA (British Independent Film Awards). 

Liam O'Brien is the Series Producer of the Documentary on One.

Working in audio is the only real job Liam O'Brien has ever had. He's been telling stories in audio documentaries, and series, for more than 25 years now – and still believes the best story he's ever going to tell is somewhere out there, waiting to be found. He has led the audio documentary unit in RTÉ since 2008 and over the last five years has moved into multi-episodic storytelling which in turn has led to working alongside TV and film productions. Throughout his career, he has won over 150 national and international awards.

Liz MacBain is Coordinator and Mentor for the MG Alba, Content Creator Partnership based in the Western Isles, a graduate apprentice programme that furthers opportunities to develop media skills whilst based within a community setting. Liz is also a freelance Director and Producer, working mainly in Gaelic documentary, whilst also supporting Heritage and Arts projects within island communities.

Prior to joining S4C in 2017 Llinos worked as a freelance producer/director for the BBC and numerous production companies in Wales, making documentaries and factual series in both Welsh and English. Among the extensive documentaries she’s produced are Welsh Towns (presented by Eddie Butler), A Garden in Snowdonia (BBC 2) and programmes for the Coming Home (BBC Wales) series, featuring actress Alison Steadman and politician Neil Kinnock. Before going freelance, Llinos worked for the BBC for over twenty years, and turned her hand to researching, presenting and producing for TV and radio. She won a BAFTA Cymru award for her documentary Josie’s Journey.Llinos Wynne joined S4C in 2017 as Factual Commissioner and is currently Head of Documentaries and Specialist Factual.
Before joining the Channel she spent 20 years with the BBC and then became a freelance PD. She has produced both factual and fact ent content, winning the BAFTA Cymru for best single documentary with her film Josie’s Journey.
Since joining S4C she has been responsible for commissioning a number of successful Welsh language formats including Am Dro (Take a Hike) and Gwesty Aduniad (The Reunion Hotel) which were picked up by the BBC,  Tŷ am Ddim (The Great House Giveaway) which aired on C4, and most recently Cyfrinachau’r Llyfrgell (Best Kept Secrets) internationally distributed by ITV Studios. She has also been responsible for creating the acclaimed single documentary strand Drych (Mirror) and many of these ambitious documentaries have received nominations and awards from BAFTA,The Celtic Film festival and The Grierson Awards. 

Louise Acheson is the Head of Business and Market Development for Screen Scotland. She joined the team three years ago as a Screen Executive Officer, originally working across a range of film & television development and production projects. She now leads on a programme of interventions to support business resilience and build capacity within the sector, including high quality third party delivery of business support, and market development and engagement of producers, nationally and internationally. She has led on a number of partnership initiatives with broadcasters, such as Sky Documentaries and BBC Three, to provide market and growth opportunities for TV production companies in Scotland.

Máire Bhreathnach is head of the Irish language unit in Below the Radar TV in Belfast and overseas all their Irish language content. She has produced or exec produced a wide range of programmes for BBC NI, TG4 and RTÉ over the last 15 years, some of which include the multi award-winning film KNEECAP; feature-length Arts Documentaries ‘Neil Martin: Bóthar an Cheoil’ & ‘Paul Muldoon: Laoithe ‘s Liricí’; the award-winning sports feature documentary ‘Rocky Ros Muc’; along with international co-productions ‘Rúin na bPortach – Secrets in the Peat’ & ‘Báisteach – Rain Stories’ and many more.  Máire is also an established TV and Radio presenter having fronted Current Affairs series ‘An Focal Scoir’ for BBC NI and their Arts series ‘I Lár an Aonaigh’ and presents BBC Radio Ulster’s ‘Blas’ each week.  

Margaret moved to a commissioning role at BBC ALBA in 2006 after 15 years in business affairs, acquisitions and content selection for MG ALBA and became Director of Additionality in 2022 and Director of Content later that year.  MG ALBA are Scottish government funded with a remit to fund Gaelic language content.  MG ALBA operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC.  Margaret oversees the strategic direction of BBC ALBA content and is the channel lead on co-production/co-finance projects.  

Mark Gordon runs Score Draw - a Belfast-based company working at the intersection between music and children's media. He co-created and co-produced the 2024 52 x 7 min Cbeebies pre-school animated series "Yukee". Described by The Guardian as "a genuinely brilliant resource for musical inspiration and education" the show featured musical guests including Lauren Laverne, Wet Leg, Femi and TJ from Ezra Collective, Tom Odell, Maisie Peters and Rivers Cuomo from Weezer. The associated "Yukee's Garden Party" album was released in April 2025 for Record Store Day,  and an accompanying BBC Sounds podcast is narrated by Guy Garvey from BBC 6 Music/Elbow. The show, which is centered around a 6 year old Chinese- Irish heritage ukelele playing girl and her gang of musical animal friends,  weaves simple curriculum based music education with fun storytelling. Marks background includes composing music for children's series for Disney Jr, Nickelodeon Jr, Amazon Kids and Netflix (including writing songs for Dolly Parton for a children's show!)

Mark is an award-winning production designer working across Film and Television. Mark's film work includes; This is England by Shane Meadows (BAFTA winner – best British Film), Magdalene Sisters by Peter Mullan (BAFTA nominated, Golden Lion winner - Best Film), and Steven Poliakoff’s Glorious 39, Joes Palace and Capturing Mary. Mark also designed NEDs, (winner of both Best Film and Best Actor at the San Sebastian Film Festival). Mark was production designer for Oscar Nominated The Wife, starring Glen Close, Jonathan Pryce and Christian Slater.

Mark has designed many projects for Television, including Anne, The Nest, Karen Pirie, The Replacement (Scottish BAFTA winner 2017), Shetland (Scottish BAFTA winner 2016), Guilt (Scottish BAFTA winner 2022) and critically acclaimed, Vigil II, starring Suranne Jones. He recently wrapped on Karen Pirie II.

As an actor, Martin has worked with The Citizens Theatre, 7.84, The Tron, The Traverse, Royal Exchange Manchester. Dundee Rep, The Pavilion, Wildcat and Cumbernauld Theatre. TV acting includes Taggart, Dr Finlay, Strathblair, Down Among the Big Boys, Monarch of the Glen, The Bill, The Long Roads, River City, Shetland, Cracked, Field of Blood, Dead Shot for SKY. Film acting includes My Name is Joe and  Sweet Sixteen, directed by Ken Loach and The Red Roads directed by Andrea Arnold.
As a writer, Martin wrote several plays including Damaged Goods and From Paisley to Paolo, for TV wrote episodes of Tinsel Town, Taggart, River City, The Bill, Big City Park and Katie Morag.
Martin has been a producer on River City since 2016, Series Producer from 2019, most recently Executive Producer since 2020.

Michael is TV executive with almost 25 years’ experience in the industry. He is Managing Director of Below The Radar, a Belfast based TV production company that produce a range of factual programmes and series for broadcasters in the UK, Ireland and internationally. In 2017 his directorial debut, Rocky Ros Muc received a cinematic release in both Ireland and America and qualified for consideration at the Oscars under the Documentary Feature category.

Michael is also a board member of Northern Ireland Screen.

More than twenty years experience within the television business. Working for both, private and public, regional and national spanish TV stations.

Commercially oriented executive with experience in the media/entertainment industries.

Have been involved in product management, finance, marketing, rights acquisition and sales and content distribution activities.

Member of Television de Galicia´s Programming team since 2009. Deeply involved with the network programming strategy from different angles: looking for innovation, originality and talent when acquiring new content. Supervising development, production and scheduling when setting new programmes and formats to be  launched.

Responsible for dubbing coordination to galician language of any foreign content acquired by Television de Galicia, mainly animation, films and TV series.

Regarding new technologies and social media, working right now in a project to improveTelevisión de Galicia kids´ web and App with a 360º strategy to complete our children offer on traditional TV, in our secondary channel.

Always commited to explore new approaches to the exciting audiovisual business from a buyers’ perspective with a wide experience in international markets.

Acknowledged as an animation industry expert, Natalie Altmann launched her production company, Media Valley in 2010. Based in Paris, Media Valley is specialized in the development and production of high-end children and family projects, either for cinema or television, targeting the international market. 

Within Media Valley, Natalie Altmann produced five animated series – both in CGI and 2D - that are aired internationally: The Triplets (78 x 7’) for France Televisions and Universal from Nicole Lambert’s work, Zoom the White Dolphin (3 seasons totaling 156 x 13’) for TF1, ZDF and Tiji, Ernest & Rebecca (52 x 12’) for TF1, Télétoon + and ZDF, based on Bianco’s and Dalena’s comic-books and its companion short series Stay Healthy with Ernest & Rebecca (10 x 2’), Nicholas’ Fantastic Summer (52 x 12’) for M6 and Warner Media, based on Goscinny and Sempé’ classic Le Petit Nicolas. Each of these series ranks in top position on their respective commissing channel.

Media Valley is currently producing the CGI animated series Louca (26 x 22’) based on Bruno Dequier’s successful comic-book. As a diversification of its activities, Media Valley has launched a slate of live action developments for prime time series and is currently producing for CBBC and NDR (ARD network) its first Franco-British kid live action series called Gifted (10 x 28’) in coproduction with the Scottish production company Black Camel Pictures. 

On top of developing her own IPs, Natalie Altmann has been working as an advisor and an executive producer on several projects, including the animated features; Asterix, the Mansions of the Gods (3 million admissions in France), released in 2014, Asterix: the Secret of the Magic Potion, (4 million admissions in France) released in 2018 and the series Arthur and the Minimoys for Storia Television. 

Natalie Altmann was M6 – a French private broadcaster - Head of Children’s Programmes, from 1997 to 2009, where she developed a diversified Youth Activities Pole, ranging from in house production, animation co-production, to acquisition and programming. In addition to her broadcasting responsibilities, she created and oversaw M6 Studio, the M6 production company dedicated to animation and fiction, and produced the animated feature film Asterix and the Vikings, released in 2006, as well as the animated series Little Nick (104 x 13’) based on Goscinny and Sempé’s work.

Before joining M6, Natalie Altmann was Head of Development at Saban International Paris, where she supervised, from 1992 to 1997, the development and writing of numerous animated series for the French, European and international markets. 

Graduated from the Paris Institute of Political Studies, Natalie Altmann also holds a Master of Arts in Communication, from the Annenberg School for Communication (University of Southern California in Los Angeles).

Natalie Altmann also managed the organization of Annecy’s International Film Festival “Creation” and “Business” conferences up until 2019 and has been elected President of the TV Branch of AnimFrance (the union representing French animation producers) in 2021. 

Former Puttnam Scholar Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh has produced and directed feature documentaries and series for BBC, TG4 and RTÉ, among them Camán na mBan; Aonaracht; Tuilte; Liam O'Flynn: Píobaire and Eoin Mac Néill: Fear Dearmadta 1916, which won two Celtic Media Awards including the Spirit of the Festival Award. She produced feature film, Aontas, which recently premiered at Santa Barbara International Film Festival and Dublin International Film Festival.
Órfhlaith lives in South Derry (up the culchies) with the love of her life, a golden retriever named Maggie, and yes, she's fully aware people think her name has too many consonants.

Pádhraic Ó Ciardha is a native speaker of Irish, former Chair of the Celtic Media Festival and Leascheannasaí (Deputy CEO) of TG4.   He was a central figure in the establishment of the TG4. He has extensive experience in broadcasting policy and journalism.  His previous  background had been in academics.    

Paul Black (born 4 November 1996) is a Scottish writer, director and comedian. He is known for his short form comedy sketches. In 2017 Black began posting character based comedy sketches on Twitter through which he earned a dedicated following. in 2019, BBC Scotland commissioned sketch-show pilot Pity Party written and directed by Black. In 2022 BBC Scotland commissioned a Hogmanay comedy special, First Footing, written and directed by Black.[1]

Black's first live theatre show Worst Case Scenario played two sold out shows at The Edinburgh Fringe in 2021. His subsequent shows Self Care Era and Nostalgia have played two sold out run's at The Edinburgh Fringe. Self Care Era played 12 consecutive sold out shows at Glasgow's Òran Mór as well as one sold out show at the Clyde Auditorium.[2] Black's show Nostalgia played two sold out shows at The King's Theatre and was adapted for Black's first UK tour in 2023. Nostalgia was nominated for the Glasgow International Comedy Festival's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow award.[3] Black headlined the festival in 2023.

Raisah Ahmed is a Screenwriter, Director and 2024 Screen International Rising Star Scotland. Currently developing feature 'Half-Moon Camp' with Producer Zorana Piggott and Film4, and 'Hina & Kara VS The Assassin' with Reece Cargan. Directing credits include CBBC’s 'Sparks', 'Molly & Mack’, BBC3’s 'The Break' and writing on BBC The Social’s award winning phone drama 'Control', WB Discovery animated series ’Toad and Friends'. She was in the writers room for CH4 Series ‘We Are Lady Parts’. Currently adapting, and EP on, Martin Sixsmith’s ‘Ayesha’s Gift’ with Freedom Scripted, as well as developing ’Nur’ a 6-part original romcom with Carolynne Sinclair Kidd. Raisah is on the BAFTA Scotland Committee, the Scottish Youth Film Foundation Board, and chairs the Glasgow Film Festival Industry Advisory Group. 

Rebecca Cooney is the insight editor of Broadcast, overseeing the publication’s long-form feature and analysis content – basically, anything that isn’t news. She is responsible for Broadcast’s tent-pole projects including the Indie Survey, the Commissioner Survey, Best Places to Work in TV and the Hot Shots emerging talent scheme. 
Before joining the Broadcast team three years ago, she was features and analysis writer at Third Sector, the trade publication for the charity sector, and a reporter at FE Week, which covers further education.
In her other life, she is a published poet and spoken word artist, and has performed at Glastonbury Festival and the Royal Albert Hall.

Rebecca Harrison is an educator and award-winning researcher. She leads the Environmental Impact of Filmmaking project (eifproject.com), which aims to support greener practices in the UK screen industries. She’s authored numerous articles and books, and regularly appears in the press and broadcast media discussing issues from gender representation to ethical uses of tech. Beyond research, she also writes film criticism, mostly for Sight & Sound. 

Rhodri Talfan Davies is the BBC’s Director of Nations and sits on the BBC’s Executive Committee.
Appointed to the role in January 2021, Rhodri leads the BBC’s work serving nations and local audiences across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Alongside this work, he also leads the BBC’s Across the UK strategy to decentralise the organisation across the country as well as the corporation’s deployment of Generative AI (artificial intelligence) technology.
The BBC Nations division is one of the largest in the BBC and produces a range of content across TV, radio and online for audiences in the devolved nations and, locally and regionally, in England. Rhodri leads the teams responsible for the UK’s biggest news show - the regional BBC One 6.30 programmes – as well as a network of 45 local and nations radio stations reaching seven million listeners across the UK each week, and local news and sport online services reaching almost 20m unique users each week.

Seán Mac Giolla Phádraig is RTÉ's Group Head of Factual. Working alongside a team of commissioning editors, he has responsibility for a range of content, from documentaries and doc series to popular factual formats. Prior to this, Seán ran RTÉ television's in-house documentary department where he exec-produced a number of impactful documentaries and series, including Whistleblower, My Homeless Family, and the Celtic Media Award-winning The Crossing.

Sinéad Stimpfig is the Head of Commissioning at Virgin Media Television.  She is responsible for shaping and implementing VMTV's commissioning strategy across all genres for all platforms.  Since joining VMTV in 2020, she has commissioned international drama co-productions, such as Dead & Buried and Faithless. She has championed new Irish formats, including The Clinic for Well People and Help Me Buy a Home and delivered groundbreaking factual series, such as The Guards and The Brain Doctors. Before joining VMTV, Sinéad worked as a freelancer for over 15 years, producing hit series, such as Operation Transformation, Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip and Super Garden.

Siobhán Ní Ghadhra is a two-time EMMY Award Winner and has numerous credits for both animation and live-action productions throughout her career. She began her career at Roger Corman’s Irish film studios in 1998 and after working with various production companies, established Danú Media in 2014. She is currently Executive Producer on Ros na Rún, one of Irelands' longest running TV drama series. Siobhán produced the Tween Drama Series entitled Saol Ella for TG4 / Coimisún na Meán in 2022, and is in post-production on a new Cine 4 film entitled Báite.

In 2021, Danú Media established Atlantic Academy, a new training entity for the TV and Film Industry and in December 2021 was announced by Screen Ireland / Fís Éireann as the lead organisation for a TV and Film Hub for the West of Ireland, as part of the National Talent Academies.

She is a current member of the Board of TG4, of Ardán and of the Creative Europe Desk in Galway. In June 2024 she was appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta. She previously sat on the board of the Blue Teapot Theatre Company, Galway Film Centre and the External Strategy Board for NUIG. Siobhán was a Board member of Broadcasting Authority of Ireland from 2010 – 2015 and was presented the NUIG Alumni Award for Arts and Media in 2016.

Sioned is a Content Commissioner at S4C - Children and Learning. She commissions content for children from 0 – 16. This includes  the industry award winning brand ‘Cyw’ aimed at children up to 6 years of age,  ‘Stwnsh’ for children 7-10 and drama for the 11+ audience. She is an award-winning, bi-lingual former Series Producer and Exec with over 30 years of experience in production for S4C, BBC, and ITV. With single and multi-camera director experience in pre-recorded and live environments Sioned formerly worked across a variety of genres – factual, factual entertainment, entertainment, children, live - events and music.She is a qualified industry coach and mentor and sits on the Children’s Media Conference Advisory Committee and the Screen Skills Children’s Council.

Sioned Wiliam comes from Barry. She is the author of the novels, Dal i Fynd, Chwynnu, Cicio’r Bar and Y Gwyliau. Sioned began her television and radio career at the BBC, before becoming an independent producer. Her credits include Tonight with Jonathan Ross, Game On, Big Train and Yonderland. She also produced iDot and exec produced Rhestr Nadolig Wil for Boom/S4C for which she won a Children’s BAFTA Award. She has been nominated for a BAFTA award three times and won a British Comedy Award and a Bronze Rose at Montreux for BIG TRAIN in 1999. She has also worked as a Commissioning Editor for ITV and BBC Radio 4 and recently worked as the Interim CEO of S4C. She is a Fellow of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and is a non executive director of CwmniI DA.

Development Lead and Producer/Director at one of Wales' largest indies - 'Cwmni Da' -  a vibrant, multi-genre independent production company based in Caernarfon,North Wales. Siwan has expertise across fact ent, entertainment, and children's content mainly for S4C and BBC Wales.With over 25 years experience she's passionate about encouraging and supporting the next generation of content producers and young emerging talents.

Stephanie is the Senior Head, Content Production for the West and South West. She is part of the BBC Nations senior leadership team managing multiplatform Editors in the South West and West, home of the highest audiences figures for regional TV and Local Radio in the UK and Channel Islands. She has significant editorial experience and is involved in multi-platform commissioning across the West and South West. Steph holds the reputation of the region by maintaining relationships with key contacts and stakeholders in the South West, including MP’s and thought leaders.  She has also been responsible for key projects including the BBC Make a Difference Laptop campaign and rolling out Impartiality training within the BBC.

Susie Wright is an ob. doc producer with 20 years of experience under her belt. Having filmed on location across the UK, the US as well as South Africa and Europe, on projects ranging from Critical Incident for BBC1, to The Savoy for ITV, and most recently Accused: Guilty or Innocent? for A&E Networks, the series she makes are always deeply rooted in human interest and complexity. She cut her teeth at Northern Ireland Screen before moving to Channel 4 where she became a regional diversity manager, and now enjoys the freedom (and precariousness) of freelance production.

Suzanne Kellty is Head of Children’s and Young Peoples Content at RTÉ. Suzanne Kelly has headed up the RTÉ Children’s division since 2018 with responsibility for all content commissioned and created across RTÉ’s video, audio and digital platforms for kids. Content is divided as follows;  RTÉjr, 0 – 6 years channel and RTÉ Kids,  7 – 12’s platform. As a PSM company, the RTÉ kids’ team is dedicated to delivering top quality content and ensuring that kids are represented and given a voice.Suzanne works hand in hand with Producers from the Live action, Animation & Audio sectors to deliver stand out moments for TV audio and online;  recent commissions include, drama series’ The Unreal & Louise Lives Large, Bellie & Whizz Minding Me, a series helping kids to understand and manage their emotions,  animated adventures with Doodle Girl, where creativity knows no bounds & The Scavengers, set in the year 3000 following the adventures of Arrow and his family, the first humans to live on Earth for a thousand years!  In our new podcast series, Our Sustainable Village, we meet kids from Dubin, as they create solutions to make their community a healthier, greener, happier place.
Prior to joining RTÉ, Suzanne worked as an Independent producer/director, creating & developing programme formats, script writing and producing & directing in studio and on location for linear and digital platforms.

Vanessa is Co-Founder and CEO of Little Moon Animation. Founded in 2019, Little Moon is an award winning 3D animation studio known for its innovative approach to production. Vanessa is the creator and showrunner of Fia’s Fairies (52×5′), a multi-award-nominated preschool series designed to introduce the Irish language to young viewers and ranked RTÉjr’s most-watched Irish commission in 2023. She is also the creator and showrunner of The Scavengers (RTÉ Kids 2024) and is currently overseeing the exciting slate of emerging and development projects within Little Moon.