A tribute to Irish producer James Flynn from Lelia Doolan, former Chair of the Irish Film Board
Posted: 16th February 2023
James was lovable and was much loved. He gave off an air of calm, capable resourcefulness. He was passionate about making good films and about helping others to make them. He was a whole library of film knowledge.
When we interviewed him for the job of Business Manager in the late summer of 1993, we saw a young fellow in his twenties with a startlingly handsome head and a quiet, charming air who was up for the job: clear-headed, financially sound, passionate, visionary. He got the job; he was our first employee, joining Tracy Geraghty and laying the ground for Rod Stoneman who came as Chief Executive in November.
Those were heady times in Galway, getting a whole new idea started. We were all beginners. There were plenty of challenges - finding ways, with less than €1m, to help everyone - startups and mid-life projects, to research the gaps and support training in technical skills; to bring government departments together to engage in promoting the work, to talk to the film unions. He was a great, funny, enthusiastic companion and a dedicated workaholic.
The entire Irish film community (and many all over the world) are stunned by his unexpected death. He was so young.
His great virtue was his always helpful support for the beginner - and for the experienced. He went far beyond his executive role on films supported by the Board. As Pat Murphy said to me:
“I remember what a great support he was during the whole NORA process. Above and beyond what he had to do. A really good human being.”
Yes, an always encouraging, clever, hugely knowledgeable, lovely man.
Safe flying, James, over the rainbow!
Members of the first ( re-established) Bord Scannán na hÉireann/ Irish Film Board:
- Lelia Doolan (Chair), Ann O’Connell, Nuala Moiselle, Mary Alleguen, Louis Marcus, Neil Jordan, Peter Owens