“Jimmy” (2026) - My Passport To Production Grip Experience

After landing into Ireland in April, I quickly began the searching for ways in which to break into the industry. Very quickly into my search, I found the National Talent Academy, a quote: “initiative by Screen Ireland to drive Irish creative talent from diverse backgrounds and disciplines at all levels into the sector and develop greater awareness of the sector as a career path.”

That sounded pretty great to me, so I began applying and attending free online courses spread throughout the 4 provinces. These courses, often conducted by industry professionals, offered invaluable information and skills development for everything from on set etiquette to industry connections. Eventually, I came across the Passport to Production course.

This course offered the opportunity to be taught in person over the span of two weekends by industry professionals and Heads of Departments, after which the entrant would be placed on a three week work placement on set of a film production. After applying, I was invited to an interview with the NTA and Screen Ireland. Soon after, I received the email that I had been accepted, and for the first time since arriving in Ireland, I was able to take a breath of relief.

<><><><>

Cut to end of September, and I was working as a Grip on the set of the largest production in the history of West Cork Studios… Jimmy. An amazing coproduction between Ireland and the States, Jimmy tells the story of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, starting from his humble beginnings, to his service in WW2, and then to his struggle with PTSD after the war.

It’s a Wonderful Life is a special film to me the same way it is for many families who gather around during Christmas to watch it, and for Jimmy to be my first on set working experience… well, maybe sometimes things happen for a reason.

On set I went through a trial of fire as our small unit set up for every single shot. Luckily for me, the Grip Department that I found myself learning from were amazingly talented and extremely generous in their time, answering every question that I could think of. By the end of the film, I stood confident in my abilities and proud of my work on such a cool film.

Going forward, I am looking forward to working in the Munster region on other amazing projects. None of it would be possible without Passport to Production, and as I write this I find myself struck with appreciation to be living and working in a country that has taken such strides to give opportunities to people like myself. Being given the chance to work in such an amazing industry is an opportunity that me and my cohorts don’t take for granted, and as Irish Film grows, so too does the opportunity to create stories that last as long as It’s a Wonderful Life has.

For more info about the National Talent Industry visit: https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/