'Unique' film lab to come to Limerick this summer with applications now open

MORE good news for the film industry in Limerick as a “unique dynamic space” is coming to the city this summer.

Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick has announced an international film co-production lab, bringing together film producers and companies from Ireland, Scotland, and Canada to collaborate, connect, and create.

Taking place from July 7, at the Engine Collaboration Centre, Cecil St, Limerick Film Lab will serve as a “dynamic space for creative exchange”, fostering business opportunities between Limerick and other countries. 

Hosted in collaboration with Screen Scotland, the national agency for film in Scotland, and Picture NL, the lead agency for film in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, the lab will have a focus on co-producing feature films in the west of Ireland.

It will include case studies and keynote industry speakers, focused on navigating international co-productions and developing high-quality, globally featured films.

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“We’re thrilled to invite established Scottish and Canadian producers to Limerick to connect with our emerging Irish-based producers,” said Paul C Ryan, regional film manager at Film in Limerick. 

“This lab is all about connection – not just between filmmakers, but between cultures, storytelling traditions, and industry ecosystems. It’s a huge opportunity to develop new business between the countries and to create work that can travel far beyond national borders.”

With the Limerick region emerging as a second major film hub outside Dublin/Wicklow for Irish and international production, the time is reportedly “right” to further develop regional producers.

“As well as our ability to service inward productions in the region with our wonderful facilities at Troy Studios and our growing crew base, the Mid-West is also focused on developing local producers and production companies who can develop their own IP and attract finance for Irish and Co-production projects,” Paul continued. 

“Building strong links with Scotland and Canada will help regional producers to attract the partners and international finance needed to realise their growth ambitions.”

The Limerick Film Lab is designed to encourage creative partnerships, with a particular focus on narrative feature film productions. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a series of workshops to stimulate creative partnerships, explore internationally focused business partnerships and gain insights into each country's funding landscapes. 

Participants will also attend a number of networking events set against Limerick’s vibrant creative backdrop.

The international delegation will also take part in a tour day, visiting key companies and locations in the Mid-West, and following the Lab, they will travel to Galway to take part in the annual Film Fleadh Forum and attend a Canadian Film Reception at the festival. 

Applications are now open for Irish producers to apply and they must have a feature film in active development and be based in the regions (outside Dublin/Wicklow). 

Applicants should send a one-page project document and an explanation of what they would gain from joining the lab. Email applications to film@limerick.ie before the closing date, April 30. 

The Limerick Film Lab is supported by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Limerick City and County Council and by international partner agencies, Screen Scotland and Picture NL.

The initiative builds on Film in Limerick’s ongoing mission to position the Mid-West of Ireland as a hub for international screen collaboration and innovation.