Framing the Future
Creativity, Enterprise, Inclusion
Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030
Bad Sisters, Merman Television
Ireland’s screen sector stands at a moment of real opportunity . . .
As Chair of Screen Producers Ireland, I’m proud to introduce this new strategic framework for our organisation. A forward-looking vision for our industry, grounded in shared purpose and ambition.
Ireland’s screen sector stands at a moment of real opportunity. Our talent, stories, and production expertise are being recognised on the global stage as never before. To take full advantage of the opportunities we now have, we need a well-thought-out strategy which plays to our strengths. One which nurtures the creativity, skills and innovative talents which abound in our sector. We need to be determined and ambitious, using this strategy to speak to key stakeholders with a strong collective voice and to build a world-class industry in Ireland. Our goal should be to develop a vibrant production community which is resilient, inclusive and equipped to respond to all future challenges and opportunities.
At its heart, this strategy is built on five pillars:
Influence and Advocacy, to ensure independent producers have a strong, unified
voice in shaping the policies and partnerships that will define our future;
Sectoral Development and Innovation, to support the long-term growth of the production ecosystem, invest in emerging talent, and embrace new technologies and content formats;
Membership and Services, to strengthen the supports we o er our members—ensuring they have the tools, resources, and representation needed to thrive;
Communications and Visibility, to connect more e ectively with our members, with audiences, and with the many stakeholders who share our vision.
Governance,
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Sustainability, because the future of our industry must reflect the full range of voices and experiences in Irish society;
These priorities are not abstract. They’re rooted in the real-world needs of producers across
Ireland, those working in drama, documentary, animation, children’s content, and beyond. This strategy reflects their ambitions and challenges, and commits Screen Producers Ireland to advocating for them with clarity, creativity, and purpose.
This strategy articulates the hopes and ambitions of our sector. It will underpin the work which Screen Producers Ireland will do as a tireless advocate and defender of the interests of independent producers in this country. We move forward with confidence, knowing that this sector's greatest strength is its people, the producers themselves and the creative talent and technical teams they work with. What they produce continues to promote our culture, supports high quality employment and brings Irish stories to Irish and world audiences.
We are building not just for the present, but for the next generation of storytellers. I’m immensely proud to Chair the Board of Screen Producers Ireland as it takes on this new strategy, and I look forward to seeing it come to life.
Vision
To lead the development of a world-class, independent, indigenous and sustainable audiovisual production sector across the island of Ireland. A sector that competes globally, delivers high-value employment, and develops creative content through continuous innovation.
Mission
To be the leading voice and trusted and respected representative organisation for independent production companies producing film, television and online screen content in Ireland.
Providing strong leadership for the sector through advocacy, engagement with stakeholders, lobbying, and representation; promoting sustainability, fostering talent development, encouraging creative innovation and supporting the retention of intellectual property in indigenous production companies, to ensure the continued development, future sustainability and cultural diversity of the screen sector across Ireland.
Our value system
Our work is anchored in a clear set of values, core principles that shape every aspect of how we operate. These values are embedded in our organisational culture and are reflected in how we engage with our team, collaborate with our members, and build relationships with our Board and external stakeholders.
Creative Sustainable Optimistic
We support creative excellence both in the Irish screen sector and across our organisation.
We champion a holistic approach to sustainability, embedding long-term resilience and responsibility into our organisation and the wider screen industry.
We believe in the potential of Ireland’s screen sector and work with optimism and energy to shape a vibrant, collaborative future with our members and partners.
Inclusive Ambitious Ethical
We are an inclusive organisation, working to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the screen sector.
We lead with purpose and ambition, championing the growth, innovation, and global potential of Ireland’s creative screen sector.
We uphold the highest standards of ethics in our role as a membership organisation and as an employer.
First Dates, COCO Content
Screen Producers Ireland now sets forth a renewed and ambitious direction for the years ahead . . .
As the representative body for Ireland’s independent screen production sector, Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) has long championed a vision of sustainable growth, creative excellence, and equal opportunity for all across the industry. Building on the foundations set out in our previous strategic plan, Screen Producers Ireland now sets forth a renewed and ambitious direction for the years ahead — one that meets the evolving needs of our members, responds to global shift in our sector, and reinforces our central role in Ireland’s creative industries.
This new strategic plan represents a bold and future-focused approach, structured around five key pillars: Governance, DEI & Sustainability; Influence and Advocacy; Membership and Services; Sectoral Development and Innovation; and Communications and Visibility. Together, these pillars chart a course that ensures that we continue to deliver high-impact leadership,
while adapting dynamically to new technological, economic and social realities.
At the heart of this strategy lies a commitment to good governance, robust advocacy, and meaningful inclusion. We will continue to develop as a high-performing, member-driven organisation, fostering a culture of integrity, transparency and innovation. We are also placing sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the forefront of our priorities, both as guiding principles and as essential drivers of long-term sectoral health and creative success.
As the independent screen sector navigates increasingly complex challenges, from emerging AI technologies to evolving labour relations and intellectual property frameworks, Screen Producers Ireland will enhance its role as a critical voice in shaping the future. Through strengthened partnerships, deepened member support,
and sustained engagement at both national and European levels, we will ensure that Irish independent production remains resilient, visible and competitive on the global stage.
This strategy is not only a roadmap for Screen Producers Ireland, but a shared commitment to our members, stakeholders, and the wider screen community. Together, we will empower independent producers, foster culture and creative innovation, and secure a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable future for Ireland’s screen industry.
In 2025 we are proud to celebrate 35 years of supporting and representing creative independent producers, and over the lifetime of this strategy we look forward to framing the future for a celebration in 2030 of 40 years.
Blue Road – The Edna O’Brien Story, Pipedream Productions
Strategic Pillar 1
Influence and Advocacy
Screen Producers Ireland actively shapes public policy by engaging with key decision-makers across the audiovisual landscape. From legislators and regulators to government departments, public funders, and media bodies, Screen Producers Ireland champions the interests of Ireland’s screen content sector at both national and EU levels—ensuring that the voice of independent production is heard where it matters most.
Influence and Advocacy
Goals
Advocate for the development of the creative screen industry in Ireland.
Advocate on behalf of the independent production sector by being active members and contributors to significant industry leadership and opinion groups, nationally and internationally.
Build influential domestic and international networks and actively contribute to strategically important creative screen industry forums.
Objectives
Review and refine policy goals to support the independent production sector to grow by a minimum of 3% above inflation, annually.
Key priorities over the lifetime of this strategy will include:
Increase Public Service Media funding in Ireland to at least median EU levels and in tandem to increase the percentage commitments of that funding to independent producers.
Campaign for media service providers targeting Irish audiences to be required to assign a percentage of their revenues to screen content produced by indigenous independent producers retaining IP, specifically for Irish audiences.
Promote improved knowledge about the role of the independent production sector and the importance of copyright ownership for the growth and sustainability of the sector.
Advocate for the growth of all public funding for screen content production by 3% above inflation per annum to achieve parity with EU funding levels.
Develop clear communications and messaging to support advocacy and industry interests.
Maintain influence on policymaking, legislation and regulations that a ect Ireland's creative screen sector (and specifically the independent production sector) at national and EU level.
Develop industry research/position papers to support advocacy for increased Government support and improved understanding of the screen production industry.
Build global industry presence, expanding the visibility and influence of Irish talent and productions on the international stage.
Advocate for the protection of Intellectual Property rights and fair compensation for creative IP for indigenous production companies.
Pillar 2
Sectoral Development and Innovation
Screen Producers Ireland empowers its members and drives sustainable growth across the sector through a wide range of support services. From negotiating national agreements to o ering expert guidance and resources, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking screen industry.
Sectoral Development and Innovation
Goals
Enhance industry collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Position the organisation as a future-facing organisation with clear responses to new and emerging industry technologies.
Promote collegiate response to resourcing issues and talent.
Improve industry competency on the issue of Copyright and Intellectual Property.
Develop a comprehensive Industrial Relations / Human Relations Action Plan.
Objectives
Enhance existing relationships with key industry stakeholders (Screen Ireland, Broadcasters, CnaM, Depts, Guilds & Unions) and key funders.
Build opportunities for increased connectivity with Government Departments / Advisers.
Engage with other stakeholder organisations Guilds.
Foster an all-island screen industry partnership model .
Strengthen relationships between filmmakers, TV producers, talent, distributors, and other key stakeholders.
Work with board to develop an industry response to AI and digital production in the Screen Industry.
Contribute to industry conversations on emerging trends.
Support professional development opportunities to create sustainable careers in the industry.
Develop best practice Guidelines as industry standard for copyright directive implementation .
Develop an action plan to be used by the SPI team when engaging on HR/IR issues.
Maintain negotiation opportunities for new and existing collective agreements relevant to the screen production sector.
“
SPI is committed to fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking screen industry.
David Donoghue Chairperson
Membership and Services
Screen Producers Ireland remains the trusted national voice for Ireland’s independent producers across film, television, animation, and digital screen content. Representing members’ interests at every level, we provide dedicated support, advocacy, and resources that strengthen the creative and commercial success of the sector.
Goals Membership and Services Objectives
O er a range of member services and supports to empower independent screen production companies drive their sustainable growth, strengthen their competitiveness and be part of a cohesive community ensuring the continued support and development of the screen production sector.
Continue to develop membership base.
Develop and deliver a comprehensive suite of events relevant to strategic priorities and key industry issues.
Grow our existing network as a professional member services organisation.
Maintain and deliver a cohesive voice for the screen production sector in Ireland.
Ensure continuity of member-centric committees.
Increase membership base by 5% year on year, with particular focus on GEDI, genres, regionality and experience.
Review and revise membership fee structures and categories of membership to support our members services delivery.
Develop Screen Producers Ireland venue as a members hub and a centre for screen production industry development.
Maintain a Screen Producers Ireland Member's Resource Library.
Introduce an automated membership database system.
Communications and Visibility
Screen Producers Ireland leads the way in championing the cultural and economic value of Ireland’s independent production sector. Through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, we highlight the sector’s role in job creation, exports, and storytelling—positioning it as a vital force in Ireland’s national identity and as a powerful window to Irish culture on the global stage.
Goals Communications and Visibility
Objectives
Develop a cohesive voice and messaging for Screen Producers Ireland's work .
Develop an events programme strategy which underpins the achievement of all strategic pillars.
Develop an insightful, cohesive, trusted voice for our work as a representative body for independent producers.
Develop an annual campaign programme aligned to key policy, sectoral development and membership issues.
Develop a comprehensive Communications Plan to increase awareness and visibility and place Screen Producers Ireland as trusted opinion leader for industry.
Refine member communications to ensure clarity of messaging and engagement.
Improve industry visibility and understanding of the role of the Producer / Production Company.
Support e ective resourcing of our communications department.
Share the organisation's success as a charitable organisation that represents the independent production sector.
Develop clear communications and messaging to support advocacy and industry interests.
Demonstrate our position as an important part of Ireland's Creative Industries.
“
Ar scáth a
chéile
a mhaireann na daoine.
Irish Proverb, Meaning: Stronger Together.
Governance, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (GEDI) and Sustainability
Screen Producers Ireland is committed to fostering a resilient, ethical, and purpose-driven charitable organisation where strong governance, a diverse and inclusive culture, and sustainable practices are deeply interconnected internally and throughout independent production in Ireland.
Governance, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (GEDI) and Sustainability
Goals
Maintain excellence in economic and social governance and sustainability, in line with SPI's charitable purpose, through an engaged board that actively supports SPI's mission.
Promote and embed greater diversity, equity and inclusion across all SPI operations and member services.
Position sustainability at the forefront of membership.
Objectives
Continue to strengthen board representation and diversity.
Continue to enhance our understanding of and to support ongoing best practise Environmental, Social and Governance policy development.
Ensure integrity and best practice in operations, financial management and governing structures.
Review SPI’s business model to expand its capability and build a high-performing culture for an evolving SPI.
Maintain a member-centric focus in our work.
Ensure adequate resourcing to support strategic objectives.
Work with GEDI committee to finalise Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.
Encourage sustainable practices across organisation and industry production processes.
Identify areas where additional resourcing is required to e ect implementation of strategic objectives.
Return of the Wild, Moondance Productions
Building our strategy Board
In early 2025, Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) initiated a strategic planning process to chart a bold, forward-looking course for the organisation and the independent production sector it serves. Guided by principles set out by the Board, we collaborated with Karan
Thompson Consulting to evaluate progress under its previous strategy and conduct a comprehensive review of the sector. This involved strategic sessions with the Board and Executive, along with a thorough analysis of current challenges and opportunities shaped by economic, technological, policy, and workforce developments both in Ireland and internationally.
The resulting plan redefines Screen Producer Ireland's vision and mission to meet the evolving needs of its members while preparing for future demands. Grounded in creative excellence, inclusive growth, and industry leadership, the strategy outlines clear objectives for operations, advocacy, and member support. It positions Screen Producers Ireland as a dynamic and responsive voice for the independent production community, committed to empowering producers, championing Irish content, and fostering a resilient, sustainable future for the Irish creative screen industry.
David Donoghue Chair
Maggie Breathnach Red Shoe Productions
Mary Callery Shinawil
Laura Cranley Red Pepper Productions
Gavin Halpin Paper Owl Films
James Hickey Copper Alley Productions
Macdara Kelleher
Wild Atlantic Pictures
David McLoughlin
Metropolitan Films International
Aoife O’Sullivan Subotica
Tamryn Reinecke Pale Rebel Productions
Donald Taylor Black Poolbeg Productions