LAST UPDATE | 31 Dec 1899

TRIBUTES ARE BEING paid to film producer James Flynn who has died at the age of 57. 

Flynn, whose credits include the Oscar-nominated Banshees of Inisherin as well as Veronica Guerin, Angela’s Ashes and Love/Hate, has been described as an influential figure within the Irish film industry.

Flynn died following a short illness, a statement on his passing read.

Flynn worked as Business Manager and Deputy Chief Executive at Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board “during a critical time in terms of the early development of the agency, helping to lay the foundation for the success the industry has achieved over the last twenty years”, a statement from the board said.

Metropolitan Films, which was co-founded by Flynn, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.

“No words can adequately describe the immense contribution James has made to the Irish film and television industry over three decades on both a national and international level.

James fought his recent illness with courage, dignity, positivity, and discretion to the very end. For that reason we are acutely aware that the news of his passing has been an unexpected shock for all of us and for many people within and beyond the industry.

President Michael D Higgins said Flynn’s death “represents the loss of one of the key figures in modern Irish film-making”.

“Over the course of his career, James Flynn made a remarkable contribution to the Irish film industry, both in terms of fostering the development of films by the Irish film community itself, and in bringing so many international projects to this island.

“Beginning with his work as head of development at John Boorman’s Merlin Films over 30 years ago, he went on to play a major role in the development of the Irish film industry over the following decades, as well as a leading contribution to training.

“James’ loss at such a young age is a huge loss to the industry and to all of us who knew him.

“May I express my deepest condolences to his wife Juanita, to his children Alex and Anna, and to his wide circle of family, friends and colleagues.”

The Screen Directors’ Guild of Ireland said it was “deeply saddened by the passing of producer James Flynn, a huge loss to the industry and our thoughts are with his family”.

Paul Young, who produced the Oscar-nominated The Secret of Kells, also paid tribute to Flynn. 

He said: “Without James, we may never have gotten our first film, The Secret of Kells, off the ground. Irish film and Television has lost a great mentor and champion.”

Culture Minister Catherine Martin posted on Twitter: “I am greatly saddened by the news of the passing of James Flynn. His most recent success with the Banshees of Inisherin was the culmination of a career at the very forefront of Irish cinema & TV drama production.”

Elsewhere, Audiovisual Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the audiovisual industry, extended its condolences to the family and friends of James Flynn.

Andrew Lowe, Chair of Audiovisual Ireland, said Flynn’s passing “is a huge loss to all of us who knew him”.

Lowe added that Flynn “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”.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy also paid tribute to Flynn’s “passion and extraordinary talent for filmmaking” and hailed him as a “key catalyst in helping the domestic industry grow to the position of strength it finds itself in today”.

More of Flynn’s credits include producer roles on films and television series such as Vikings, Penny Dreadful and The General.