Fís Éireann/Screen has announced the appointment of Keith Potter to the role of Head of Feature Film.
Keith will bring over 20 years of experience across independent film to Screen Ireland, having spent his entire career working on the development, production, and financing of European and international independent film.
Keith’s credits include a wide range of award-winning films over three decades, including the Oscar-winning Room, Love & Friendship, Submarine, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and the BAFTA-winning Kelly + Victor.
Keith most recently worked as a consultant for Popcorn Group and then as Talent Development Executive at Scottish Film Talent Network (SFTN), where he was responsible for the first feature slate at SFTN, supported by Screen Scotland and BFI NETWORK. Prior to this, he worked for production company Catalyst Global Media as an executive producer across film and television investments for its production division.
From 2013 to 2017, Keith held the role of Project Manager at Screen Ireland (then named the Irish Film Board), working across production and development for the agency’s film slate. His previous roles also include Head of Production and Development at Ffilm Cymru Wales, and Head of Development at Dan Films. Keith also teaches the “Producing Your First Feature” course for NFTS Scotland.
Commenting on the role, Screen Ireland Chief Executive Désirée Finnegan said: “Keith brings a wealth of creative expertise and knowledge across independent feature film development and production, and we are delighted to welcome him to the agency. His extensive creative development work with both emerging talent and established filmmakers, in addition to his range of experience across national film funds will greatly benefit the Irish screen industry at a time of continued growth. We’re looking forward to working with him on a wide range of new and original Irish feature film projects.”
Speaking about his appointment, Keith Potter said: “I am thrilled to be joining Screen Ireland, who have an unrivalled reputation for growing and supporting storytellers at the highest level. The Irish screen industry has experienced a remarkable period breaking records internationally, and I believe the challenge and opportunity for Irish independent filmmaking has never been more vast or exciting. I’m looking forward to working with new and established Irish storytellers to support them in bringing their film projects to the big screen.”
Keith will co-lead the Production and Development Department, along with the Head of Television, to develop feature film policy and strategy, assess individual project readiness from a creative and financial perspective, and support Irish writers, producers, and directors across this process. The role will be responsible for the oversight and strategic management of the Screen Ireland feature film slate, from development through production and exploitation, working closely with Screen Ireland’s Head of Distribution and Head of Marketing. Keith will also nurture key relationships with financiers, broadcasters, co-production partners, sales agents, and streaming platforms who invest in Irish talent and Irish film.
Keith Potter will take up the new role in October 2023, based in Dublin.
