Keith Potter, the head of production for Film Agency Wales, will be the new project manager of the Irish Film Board’s production and development team.
Potter will take up his new position in April, where he will work closely with current project manager Rory Gilmartin. Gilmartin was appointed to his position last November.
Potter’s new role will see him manage supported projects across all genres, from the development stages right through to distribution.
Potter has been with Film Agency Wales for more than five years, having joined as head of talent in 2007. His credits include Irish co-production ‘Kelly+Victor’, ‘Resistance’ and ‘The Gospel of Us’.
CEO of the IFB James Hickey said of the announcement: “Keith is an important addition to the newly structured IFB Production and Development team. He brings with him excellent production experience and international contacts and has demonstrated a strong commitment to discovering and developing new film writing and directing talent throughout his career to date.”
The new structure at the IFB is intended to provide Irish filmmakers with a new integrated system of project development and production.
Speaking of his new appointment, Potter said: “Having already worked with the IFB on a number of co-productions with Wales, I've really enjoyed collaborating with Irish talent and am always impressed with Ireland's film output year-on-year. I'm very much looking forward to joining the IFB production team, enabling this trend to continue.”
The IFB meanwhile is expected to be close to announcing its new board members. James Morris is currently the chair, with Lesley McKimm of Newgrange Pictures, Tristan Orpen Lynch of Subotica, Kevin Moriarty of Ardmore Studios, director Kirsten Sheridan, composer Barry Grace and Johnny Gogan of Bandit Films making up the current board.
