Liam Neeson helps to turn Mark Mulholland’s Dundalk-based novel into a film

Author Mark Mulholland

‘A Mad and Wonderful Thing’, the Dundalk-based novel by Mark Mulholland is set to be made into a film.

A movie deal was concluded in recent days and will be announced at The London Book Fair tomorrow.

It has been snapped up by Parallel Films and is likely to feature Irish actor Liam Neeson in some capacity.

Mark, who formerly ran The Beerkeeper pub (now The Bartender) in Park Street, released ‘A Mad and Wonderful Thing’ in Australia and New Zealand in March 2014 to rave reviews, before it became available in Europe last May.

Mark, who also had an involvement in The Spirit Store in its early days, has lived in France for the past 11 years but still used his hometown as a setting for his debut novel.

Upon its release it received rave reviews from Hollywood actors including Jeremy Irons and Liam Neeson, who said at the time: “I thought it excellent. Deeply satisfying and moving. I also think that sufficient time has passed since the Good Friday Agreement to, at last, have a novel that goes inside the head of one of the ‘Troubles’ protagonists and hear the pros and cons of the conflict (to take up arms or not) told in an original and exciting way.

“All Mark’s hard work has paid off. Ireland has a new and exciting voice.”

Indeed, little did we know at the time that Neeson was so impressed that he has now been linked to turning the novel into a film.

Mark said the Northern Irish man’s support has been superb.

“It was Liam that approached and encouraged Parallel Films to go for it.

A Mad And Wonderful Thing’s book cover

“Liam has been loyal and supportive to the work from the start and he has also made some wonderful comments. Liam, because of who he is, brings assurance of a big production and a guarantee of attention.”

Mark said it was “great news” that the book was being turned into a film, adding that the “right team” were behind it.

“We have had a lot of interest and had other options but Alan Moloney in Parallel Films and Liam bring elegance and gravitas to the production, and they bring know how. They also get it: they understand the fundamental thrust of the book.

“And it is great news, too, I think, for Dundalk. Our story and streetscape, our landscape and hinterland, our mythology, our people, and even our unique sound, are all to get a global airing.”

Who knows maybe the local theme will continue and Dundalk director John Moore will get involved. Either way we’ll soon be hearing the sounds of ‘de town’ on the big screen.

Dundalk woman Lynda McQuaid appointed new director of content with TV3

Lynda McQuaid

Local woman Lynda McQuaid has been appointed by as the new director of content with TV3.

She will replace Jeff Ford, who is returning to the UK in April.

McQuaid, from the Seafield Road in Blackrock, is known as one of Ireland’s foremost TV producers and directors, having produced a string of shows such as The Apprentice, MasterChef, The Voice and You’re a Star.

She has acquired eight IFTA nominations and two IFTA awards.

Lynda’s career began in Granada Television’s entertainment division where she worked on shows such as ‘Stars in Their Eyes’, ‘You’ve Been Framed!’ and ‘This Morning’. She subsequently joined the BBC in 1997 and produced the then unknown Peter Kay on ‘The Sunday Show’. Later that decade she returned to Granada as launch producer for the newly formed ITV2.

Most recently she has worked as executive producer for CBBC in Media City in Manchester and with Communicorp in Dublin.

“I have long wanted to bring Lynda into TV3 as one of Ireland’s most creative TV producers. Her appointment further emphasises TV3’s commitment to origination and production standards, and she was the outstanding candidate to deliver TV3’s brand proposition ‘We Entertain’,” said David McRedmond, TV3 Group CEO.

On her appointment, Lynda said: “I am delighted to be joining Ireland’s leading commercial broadcaster at the most exciting time in its short history. TV3 has proven to be the most innovative force in Irish TV and its brand proposition plays to my strengths and experience. I look forward to developing TV3 Group beyond its current channel line-up and to launch major hit shows in the years ahead.

“TV3’s role is to delight audiences and reward advertisers, and that is what I intend to deliver through the talented production and programming teams in Ballymount.”

Dundalk director Moore linked with thriller I.T.

John Moore

Voltage Pictures are reported to have tapped up Dundalk film director John Moore to direct and William Wisher Jr to rewrite their thriller I.T.

The film follows a publisher who fears for his family’s life after he fires an I.T. specialist who turns out to be dangerously unstable. Dan Kay wrote the previous draft of the script.

Moore is primarily known for helming action movies. He previously directed “Behind Enemy Lines,” “Max Payne,” and “A Good Day to Die Hard,” and is currently attached to the upcoming thriller “Ice Road Truckers” (also penned by Wisher Jr). Wisher Jr’s other films include “Terminator 2,” “Judge Dredd,” and “Live Free or Die Hard.”

Dundalk director Moore to direct The Hunters

John Moore

Dundalk-born director John Moore is to direct The Hunters, a thriller based on Chris Kuzneski’s 2013 novel of the same name.

Deadline.com reported earlier this week that the film tells the story of an elite unit hired by a billionaire to find lost treasure.

The screenplay for the film has been adapted by Taken and The Transporter‘s Robert Mark Kamen.

Director Moore, whose other credits include A Good Day To Die Hard, Max Payne and Behind Enemy Lines, has said that the script for The Hunters reminds him “of the kind of great action movies I grew up on like Lethal Weapon, great characters and smart dialogue”.

Moore hails from the Point Road in Dundalk, where many of his family still reside.

Casting call for feature film in Dundalk next week

A new feature film called ‘Death by Trial’ will be holding casting calls for local actors and dancers in Dundalk next week.

The crew, including director Suhail Tatari, are looking for 40 extras for the film – 10 of whom will be selected for special scenes – and 20 dancers.

If you would like to participate in the casting then pop along to The Fairways Hotel on Saturday April 5^th at 3pm.

A two minute presentation will be required on the day, which can be a verse, some lines from a film or play or simply an introduction as to why you would like to be a feature film.

Refreshments will be served on the day while the director will be showing his recent feature film ‘Arkur Arora Murder Case’.

For further details visit www.uandusfilms.com

Dolmen Theatre Group bringing Lend Me A Tenor to An Táin Theatre next month

Tickets for Lend Me A Tenor are available now from the An Táin Theatre box office at the Town Hall in Crowe Street

The Dolmen Theatre Group will be brining Ken Ludwig’s hilarious comedy ‘Lend Me A Tenor’ to An Táin Theatre from Wednesday April 2nd to Saturday April 5th.

Some of Dundalk’s audiences will have very fond memories of the last time the group presented this play 21 ago in 1993. Director Paul McGee includes three of the original cast in this production, Gerry O’Hara, Gabrielle Tuomey and Paul himself, although they play different roles this time around.

The cast is completed by Karyn McCooey, Paudie Breen, Tony Markey and Karen Shields.

Booking is available through the box office in the Town Hall or on 042 9392919.

Dundalk Theatre Workshop to stage The Winslow Boy next month

Dundalk Theatre Workshop will stage The Winslow Boy by Terence Rattigan in An Táin Theatre in Dundalk Town Hall from November 13th to 16th at 7.30pm each night.

The play, which is based on a true story, will be directed by local solicitor Fergus Mullen.

Tickets are available from the Táin Theatre box office at 042-9392919.

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