Kelly + Victor's Keith Potter named head of feature film at Screen Ireland

Keith Potter, who worked on The Killing of a Sacred Deer has been appointed Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland's head of feature film.

Potter, who succeeds Celine Haddad, will co-lead the production and development dept, along with the head of television, to develop feature film policy and strategy, assess individual project readiness from a creative and financial perspective, and support Irish writers, producers and directors across this process.

He will be responsible for the strategic management of the Screen Ireland feature film slate, from development through production and exploitation, working closely with the agency's head of distribution and head of marketing.

Potter will also collaborate with financiers, broadcasters, co-production partners, sales agents and streaming platforms who invest in Irish talent and Irish film. 

He boasts 20 years' experience across independent film working on the development, production and financing of European and international independent film. Credits include the Academy Award-winning Room, Love & Friendship, Submarine, The Killing of a Sacred Deer and the BAFTA-winning Kelly + Victor.

More recently, he worked as a consultant for Popcorn Group and then as Talent Development Executive at Scottish Film Talent Network (SFTN), where he oversaw the first feature slate at SFTN, supported by Screen Scotland and BFI NETWORK. 

From 2013 to 2017, Potter was project manager at Screen Ireland (formerly Irish Film Board), working across production and development for the agency’s film slate. His previous roles also include Head of Production and Development at Ffilm Cymru Wales, and Head of Development at Dan Films. Potter also teaches the 'Producing Your First Feature' course for NFTS Scotland.

“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," said Screen Ireland chief executive Désirée Finnegan. "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.”

Commenting on his appointment, Potter added: “I am thrilled to be joining Screen Ireland, who have an unrivalled reputation for growing and supporting storytellers at the highest level. 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.”

Potter assumes the new role in October 2023, based in Dublin.