Big Mountain Productions land IFTA for Wild Ireland

Jane Kelly and Philip McGovern of Big Mountain Productions with their IFTA

There were celebrations for Dundalk-based Big Mountain Productions as they landed an award at last night’s IFTAs.

They scooped Best Factual programme for ‘Wild Ireland’ which was broadcast on ITV1.

The award was collected on the night by Creative Director Jane Kelly and company head Philip McGovern.

Wild Ireland followed Christine Bleakley going home to Ireland on a very special trip. It shows her drive, climb, walk and swim her way along the longest continuous coastal route in the world, Ireland’s 2500km long Wild Atlantic Way. On the way she met a host of fascinating characters as she explored the entire route from Malin Head in the north to Clonakilty in the south. Along the way she uncovers a landscape of natural wonder.

Also at last night’s IFTAs, Dundalk-born actress Deirdre O’Kane won the Best Lead Actress Film award for her role in Noble.

Big Mountain to bring hit show to the US

Jane Kelly and Philip McGovern of Big Mountain Productions

Dundalk-based television production company Big Mountain Productions has got one step closer to bringing RTE hit Craft Master to US audiences.

It has signed a deal with US producer North South to pitch the show to US networks. Craft Master harnesses the growing popularity of arts and crafts like Linda McKay’s millinery, knitting and loom-banding.

Big Mountain hopes to emulate the success of its show Genealogy Roadshow, whose format was snapped up by US public broadcaster PBS. The programme is now in its second season on PBS.

Big Mountain made €1.6m last year. Demand for content is booming as online providers like Netflix seek more quality programming, managing director Philip McGovern said.

Big Mountain Productions enter into partnership with American network PBS

Jane Kelly and Philip McGovern of Big Mountain Productions

Dundalk-based company Big Mountain Productions has entered into a partnership with American network PBS which will involve the US version of the Irish format show ‘Genealogy Roadshow’ airing there from 23 September.

Big Mountain Productions will receive a 5% format fee of the overall US budget, plus consultancy and creative credits.

Husband and wife team Philip McGovern and Jane Kelly, founders of Big Mountain Productions, specialise in creating original format TV series.

A unique driver in the business is the ability to create complete format TV series that can go straight to transmission without need for pilot episodes – which is the case with Genealogy Roadshow and PBS.

First premiered on RTE1 in September 2011, Genealogy Roadshow is a described as “a next generation genealogy series that combines history and science to uncover stories of diverse Americans”.

Jane Kelly, creative director of Big Mountain Productions, said: “We’re breaking new ground here with an original format that we’ve developed and produced locally but went straight to transmission from one of the major networks in the biggest TV market in the world.

“Our company focus is very clearly set on developing shows that have universal values, have genuine transformational journeys at their core that connect with audiences so it is exciting to see that now coming to life across several markets.”

On the back of the PBS partnership, Big Mountain Productions has also agreed a new global distribution deal for with the Genealogy Roadshow with FreemantleMedia, which produces and distributes shows such as X-Factor across international markets.

FreemantleMedia will showcase the show at MIPCOM in Cannes, the most high profile global market for entertainment content, this October.

McGovern said: “There is a lot of opportunity for growth in supplying format series to international markets. Television has real longevity and the potential for Irish companies in this area is enormous – we are an Irish company with international goals so we are excited to be at the forefront of domestic innovation and the international export of Irish talent.”

Big Mountain Productions currently employs 10 full-time staff and in 2012 created 100 contract personnel positions across all its productions.

Last year the company produced 23 hours of television output for five broadcasters across three markets – Ireland, the UK and the US.