In this episode of "Garry Talks Film", Gar O’Brien-Collins, Executive of the WRAP Fund, and Alan Duggan, CEO of Ardán, discuss the evolving screen industry in the West of Ireland, focusing on talent development, regional funding, and the challenges of sustaining local Film, TV, Animation and Gaming production. They explore the impact of initiatives like the WRAP Fund and Screen West, the importance of mentorship, and the need for improved infrastructure. The conversation highlights the resilience of regional creatives, the value of local stories with global appeal, and ongoing efforts to decentralise the industry beyond Dublin and Wicklow.   - Support this podcast by joining our tribe today at www.GarryTalks.com - Please follow Garry Talks on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.  Please follow GKMedia.ie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.  Most importantly – please subscribe to this Podcast. Introduction & Focus on Talent Development (00:00:00)Overview of the episode’s focus on talent development in the West of Ireland’s screen industry. Podcast Introduction & Guest Backgrounds (00:00:16)Host introduces guests Gar O’Brien-Collins and Alan Duggan, and outlines the episode’s themes. Local Films, Global Audience (00:00:40)Discussion on the importance of local films with international appeal. Podcast Sponsorships & Network (00:00:51)Acknowledgement of podcast supporters and the GK Media Studios Creators Network. Alan Duggan’s Entry into Galway Film Centre (00:01:39)Alan’s background, joining Galway Film Centre in 2018, and the industry’s evolution. Shift in Funding Sources (00:02:25)Transition from Arts Council to Screen Ireland as main funder, and challenges faced. Gaming Industry in Galway (00:03:45)Early recognition of gaming as part of the creative sector and its growth in Galway. Challenges in Games Funding (00:04:26)Lack of funding for games, cultural perceptions, and recent changes in industry support. Music & Games Industry Crossover (00:05:28)Discussion on composers working in games and the cinematic quality of game scores. Alan’s Path in Galway Film Scene (00:06:02)Alan’s journey from volunteering at Galway Film Fleadh to programming and industry insights. Growth of Irish Film & TV (00:07:42)Exponential growth in Irish film, international reach, and key turning points. Success Factors for Producers (00:09:37)Hard work, risk, and support as keys to producers’ survival and success. Producer Resilience & Funding Challenges (00:10:29)The unseen work of producers, high rejection rates, and the need for resilience. Discretionary Funding & Rejection (00:11:53)The discretionary nature of funding, comparison to actors’ rejection, and the need for thick skin. Time Investment & Producer Attrition (00:13:03)Importance of quick feedback for producers and the high attrition rate in project development. Creative Masochism & Motivation (00:14:12)Why creatives persist despite challenges—love for the work and “creative masochism.” Producer Creativity & Career Choices (00:15:39)Producers as creatives, career pivots, and the drive to do meaningful work. Ardán’s Expansion & Talent Development (00:16:54)Growth of Ardán, focus on talent development, and new initiatives like the National Talent Academy. Financial Sustainability & Pathways (00:18:22)Challenges in funding organisational operations and creating clear pathways for filmmakers. Scheme Structure & Administration (00:20:17)Efforts to include administration fees in schemes to support organisational sustainability. Collaborative Industry Culture (00:20:53)The collaborative nature of the industry and Ardán’s approach to supporting others. EDI & Regional Inclusion (00:21:33)Efforts to support equality, diversity, and inclusion, especially for underrepresented communities. Regional Definition & Funding Specifics (00:22:30)Clarification of what counts as “regional” and the specifics of WRAP funding. Summit