Screen Ireland Hires Keith Potter As Head Of Feature Film – Deadline

EXCLUSIVE: Screen Ireland has hired producer Keith Potter as its new head of feature film.

Potter will take office in October 2023, based out of Dublin. As part of the role, he will co-lead the production and development department alongside the head of television to develop feature film policy and strategy. He will also assess individual project readiness from a creative and financial perspective and support Irish writers, producers, and directors across this process. 

As head of features, Potter will also 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. The role will also see him aim to nurture relationships with financiers, broadcasters, co-production partners, sales agents, and streaming platforms who invest in Irish talent and Irish film.

Potter joins Screen Ireland with 20 years of experience, during which he worked across the development, production, and financing of European and international independent films. His credits include the Oscar-winning Room, Love & Friendship, Submarine, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and the BAFTA-winning Kelly + Victor.

Potter 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. Before that, he was an executive producer at Catalyst Global Media, where he worked across film and television investments for its production division. 

This new role as head of features won’t be Potter’s first stint at Screen Ireland. From 2013 to 2017, Potter held the position of Project Manager at Screen Ireland — then named the Irish Film Board — working across production and development for the agency’s film slate. He also spent time at Ffilm Cymru Wales as head of production and development and was Head of Development at Dan Films. Potter also teaches at NFTS Scotland.

“I am thrilled to be joining Screen Ireland, who have an unrivaled reputation for growing and supporting storytellers at the highest level,” Potter said. “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.”

Screen Ireland Chief Executive Désirée Finnegan added: “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.”