08/05/2024 - The Irish Producer on the Move breaks down his career, the joys and pains of producing, and the slate of projects he is developing

Cineuropa spoke to Evan Horan, producer at Dublin-based firm Keeper Pictures. This year, Horan has been selected as one of the participants in European Film Promotion’s Producers on the Move initiative. During our conversation, Horan spoke about how he kicked off his career in the film industry, the challenges of doing his job and the rich slate of new projects he is currently working on.

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Cineuropa: What pushed you to enter this industry?
Evan Horan: As far as I can remember, the only choice for my career was in film - having one career goal was quite fortunate, thinking about it! Having studied film at university, I then had to figure out my entry into the industry and spent some time in London where I worked in organisations such as the BFI and BAFTA in areas such as marketing, events and festivals. After several years in the UK, I returned to Ireland and then started working at Blinder Films - now known as Keeper Pictures - and found myself in production. It is at this point where I feel like I found my feet in film and have been a part of the team since 2017.

What is the most challenging aspect of a producer's job?
How long have you got? There are a great number of challenges that come with producing, but this is also what I find motivating to keep going and find solutions, to push through and help bring new stories to the screen. I think it’s worth discussing the work-life balance that comes with this role. I feel very fortunate for the work that I get to do, but to get a project over the line, it can feel that you must give every part of yourself to it, which can be very consuming. So, I try, and struggle at times, to keep this balance intact.

Which is the most rewarding?
I'm currently in production on a Dutch-Irish-Belgian co-production from Nanouk Leopold, shooting in Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland. I find it so gratifying that after being attached to the project for over a year, it's finally being captured on screen, thanks to our incredible cast and crew. There’s something almost magical about it: the process of taking the words on a page, and bringing them to life.

How would you judge the current state of Ireland's film scene?
It’s a great moment right now for the film scene in Ireland, with five Irish films in Cannes this year, an Irish film opening the Berlinale, as well as awards recognition for Irish talents over the past years. This is primarily down to Screen Ireland's and other organisations' recognition of the value of our screen industry, and their commitment to investing in its continued growth. We have incredible actors breaking through, committed and skilled crews as well as a wide range of locations. It feels like the Irish film industry is going from strength to strength, and I am very proud to be a part of our film scene.

How do you think being one of the Producers on the Move will benefit your career?
I’m so thrilled to have been selected for Producers on the Move, and thankful to European Film Promotion and Screen Ireland for the recognition. When I look at the alumni of Irish producers who have taken part over the years, it’s incredibly humbling to be in their company. I’m very excited to head to Cannes, meet with the other participants, and continue to grow my professional network and work towards the development of new creative collaborations across Europe.

What are your next projects?
I’m developing a slate of projects at Keeper Pictures that focus on female and LGBTQIA+ stories and talents. We will start shooting on Lesbian Lines later the year, a documentary from Cara Holmes about an underground network of telephone helplines that was set up by queer pioneers in 1979 Ireland when homosexuality was not yet decriminalised, funded by Screen Ireland and New Dawn. Additionally, Breed is an upcoming horror film from Kate Dolan which tells the story of Jess and Emer, a young lesbian couple, who travel back to Emer's rural hometown to see her dying father. However, shortly after they arrive, Jess discovers she's pregnant, with no idea how that could be possible. I'm also working with talents such as Claire Frances Byrne and Karen Healy on Daughterhood, Rory Fleck Byrne on Celine and Siofra O’Meara on Come and Be a Winner, funded through the Luxembourg-Ireland Co-Development Fund for Female and Non-Binary Filmmakers.