Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is delighted to launch a new Health and Safety Guide for Film and TV Drama.

The guide, which was developed in close collaboration with key industry stakeholders, provides an overview of health and safety best practice for all those working in Film and Television production.

To mark the launch of the Health and Safety Guide, a panel of key industry contributors will discuss its importance to the sector.

The panel will cover the development process of the guide as well as the ways in which it will promote a safer and healthier workplace environment for those working in the industry.

Gareth Lee, Skills Development Manager at Screen Ireland, will give a short introduction followed by Emer MacAvin, Skills Development Executive at Screen Ireland, who will give a brief overview of the guide and its contents.

Elaine Geraghty will moderate the panel and will be joined by panel guests Karen Cummins, Gary McGinty, Emer MacAvin, Mick Freaney, Jess Drum, and Clare Muffly.

Panel Details

Elaine Geraghty (Panel Moderator, Managing Director at Ardmore Studios and Troy Studios) - As former CEO of Screen Producers Ireland Elaine has been instrumental in the development of the Health and Safety guide and in advocating for this initiative in the Irish screen industry.

Karen Cummins (Health and Safety Consultant, CSME) - With over 12 years’ experience working in the Screen Sector, Karen played a pivotal role in developing the content of the Health and Safety Guide and ensuring accuracy whilst continuously collaborating and working closely with industry stakeholders. Karen also worked on the development of the new Screen Pass course, to be launched in early 2022.

Gary McGinty (Supervising Art Director) - Gary has over 25 years of experience working in film with production designers Arthur Max, Dan Hennah, Norman Garwood and Anna Rackard. His more recent roles include Art Direction on The Last Duel and Foundation for Apple TV; and Supervising Art Director on Disenchanted for Disney. Gary is a huge advocate for Health and Safety in the Screen Sector.

Emer MacAvin (Skills Development Executive, Screen Ireland) - With over 15 years experience working in the Screen Sector, Emer’s role was to oversee the various phases of the Health and Safety Guide from the initial development phase to the publication stage, whilst engaging and collaborating with stakeholders in the process.

Mick Freaney (Rigger for the Film and TV Industry) - For over 30 years, Mick has worked on multiple international film projects for electrical and construction departments. His recent credits include Foundation, Dune, Solo, Nightflyers, and The Mummy. Mick is a strong advocate for health and safety and has trained many technicians in scaffolding training.

Jess Drum (CEO at Screen Guilds of Ireland) - Jess began her career in the Camera Department where she worked for over 15 years. Jess is now the CEO for Screen Guilds Ireland (SGI) where she works closely with the 23 guilds of the Irish film industries. She is dedicated to the fair, transparent and equal representation of all members of SGI in her role and she is an advocate for the importance of Health and Safety in the sector.

Clare Muffly (Sectoral Development and IR Manager, Screen Producers Ireland) - Clare is experienced in change management and employee relations with a keen interest in developing and implementing practical solutions. Through her experience and her work, Clare played an important role in the development of the health and safety guide.