THE VIEW FROM... INDUSTRY
THE talented local crews ARE WHAT’S KEEPING productions COMING BACK” the map, TV series like Game of Thrones cemented it. “Ireland’s a funny one,” comments Rolfe. “It’s not Paris or London – people aren’t coming here for Dublin unless it’s a Dublin-focused movie. There’s a lot of period work,” he explains, citing Vikings – a TV show co-produced between Ireland and Canada – as another example. Ireland’s two industry hubs are Dublin and Belfast, according to Rolfe. “We’ve got the studio space, and then lots of great natural landscapes too. Within the radius that productions are able to work, you can go straight from being in the mountains or urban areas to being at the sea,” he says. Limerick is also on the rise as another hub, having hosted Apple TV+’s Foundation in its Troy Studios. While acknowledging Ireland’s facilities and financial perks, Rolfe also believes the talented local crews are
what’s keeping productions coming back. “There’s been a lot of variety in the shows that come through Ireland, which has given local crews experience working within different systems. There’s a good problem-solving mentality; plus, they want to do their best and feel that they’re representing Ireland,” he shares. “It’s a lovely family that looks after each other and fosters a real can-do attitude – without sounding corny,” he laughs. GOING GRASSROOTS The ISC was founded in 2010, in part to respond to growing demand, but more so to promote Irish talent. “Historically, there was a preconceived notion that if somebody was doing good work as a DOP in the UK, it would be better to bring them in than to have an Irish DOP,” Rolfe explains. “A lot of the time, we would have to leave. The difficulty is always
in trying to compete. With the scale of shows that are coming into Ireland at the moment, we are trying to highlight just how good the resources are.” Rolfe, who’s been ISC president since March 2025, has been a member of the society for five years. “There are currently 34 active members and 20 associates. We’re small,” he notes, “but we’ve got really talented people who have been nominated across various international awards.” John Conroy, for instance, is up for an Emmy this year, while Robbie Ryan is a two-time Oscar nominee. “The ISC was built to engage with people, answer questions and inspire,” Rolfe details. “That’s the remit I got when I was elected president – to help that along and continue growing the organisation.” The ISC’s onboarding process is fairly standard; “any member can put forward a cinematographer they feel is worthy of joining. Nine times out of ten, anybody who’s good enough to be put forward is asked to join,” he admits. “If you’re going to take on the letters, you don’t just take them and run away,” Rolfe clarifies to prospective members. “You’re going to have to help out too.” For him, being able to meet and talk process with other DOPs has been the highlight of joining the ISC. “It’s an open organisation, and we have got good communication. There’s a rich talent pool here; Ireland is a great place to come and work.”
COAST TO COAST Being featured in high-profile productions such as Normal People (top left), Saving Private Ryan (above) and Game of Thrones (left) has solidified Ireland as a prime filming location
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