Pitching Competition 2021 Jury Members

Mary Kate O’Flanaghan

Mary Kate is one of Europe’s leading story consultants. She gives training in screenwriting and works with screenwriters all over the world, primarily in Europe and the US. Since the lockdown, she has adapted her work to give a series of online workshops which have been well received. 

In the autumn of 2021 she will give training for creative collaborators (producers, directors, development executive’s and editors) on story skills and the delicate process of working with writers. This is alongside her established programme for screenwriters. Places on these courses are limited to 10 so if you are interested in signing up, see her website – www.adramaticimprovement.com 

Mary Kate was Ireland’s First Grand Slam Champion Storyteller at The Moth. She was also a Grand Slam Champion Storyteller at The Moth in Los Angeles and a Champion Storyteller at The Dublin StorySlam.  You can hear one of her winning stories on The Moth Radio Hour at: https://themoth.org/stories/carry-him-shoulder-high  

Nicola Lyons – Northern Ireland Screen 

Nicola is the Production Manager at Northern Ireland Screen. She is the first point of contact for production funding enquiries and she oversees physical production including locations, crews and facilities. Prior to joining Northern Ireland Screen Nicola worked in the film industry for over 20 years in London, including 10 years with United International Pictures, the international distribution arm of Paramount, Universal and MGM.  

Robert McCann FinnBreak Out Pictures 

Break Out Pictures is a  film and event cinema distribution company founded by Nell Roddy and Robert McCann Finn with a dedication to supporting emerging and established creatives. The duo brings their unique knowledge and creativity to every project through innovative and bespoke campaigns and release strategies. Both Roddy and McCann  Finn are highly experienced film professionals with over a decade’s experience working across the theatrical and exhibition Irish and UK landscape. Recent Break Out releases include BROKEN LAW, the number 1 Irish film at the box office last year and the acclaimed  Phil Lynott: SONGS FOR WHILE I’M AWAY now in cinemas.  Future releases include Cork Film festival Audience Award winner THE BRIGHT SIDE,  ARRACHT which was the IFTA representative for the Oscars last year  & LOVE YOURSELF TODAY which is playing at this year Fleadh.