Industry responds to passing of James Flynn

Audiovisual Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the audiovisual industry, wishes to extend its condolences to the family and friends of James Flynn, following his passing. 
 
Commenting on the sad news, Andrew Lowe, Chair of Audiovisual Ireland, said: “James Flynn’s passing is a huge loss to all of us who knew him. James played a pivotal role in kickstarting and nurturing the film industry in Ireland in the early 1990’s throughout his time at the Irish Film Board. He put his wit, energy, towering intellect and passion for cinema at the service of many Irish filmmaking teams, helping them get their first and subsequent films made and assisting them in launching their careers. 
 
“He went on to enjoy a glittering career as a producer, principally in partnership with Morgan O’Sullivan, and they were together responsible for some of the biggest and most high-profile productions in this country.  James worked tirelessly behind the scenes through Ibec and Screen Producers Ireland to help shape and improve the environment for filmmaking in Ireland for all our benefits. He was a dear and cherished friend, and I will miss him deeply both professionally and personally. Our thoughts and condolences are with Juanita, Alex and Anna and all his friends and colleagues in Metropolitan Films and the industry at large who are mourning his passing.”
 
Ibec CEO Danny McCoy added: “James’ passion and extraordinary talent for filmmaking, as evidenced by his internationally acclaimed output, was a key catalyst in helping the domestic industry grow to the position of strength it finds itself in today. His passing will be an enormous loss to Ireland’s wider film industry, but he leaves an enduring legacy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”