This six-part-series, narrated by Raymond Maxwell, looks back at Ireland's contribution to the film industry and envisions how it might look in the future. 

In Ireland, James Mark Sullivan created the Film Company of Ireland, which marked the beginning of a true Irish film industry. With Ireland in political turmoil, the first footage they ever shot was of the Easter Rising in 1916, this topic of the Irish struggle was one which early film producers returned to time and time again.

Ireland grew to have the highest number of cinemas in Europe per head and the largest cinema going audience. For many ordinary people, poverty was very real and the cinema provided a welcome means of escape, even more so as they were shown in the ornate picture palaces built in the 1920's - the era of the super silent movies. 

However after the first world war, a divided Europe presented a unique opportunity to create fortunes for the Hollywood film companies, who launched a "policy of world wide sales". Anthony Slide, a film historian, discusses Ireland's influence on Hollywood during this time and the number of first generation Irish-Americans who were involved, with "an Irish accent always on set".

An Ulster Television Production for Channel Four

Ulster Television wishes to thank: George Morrison Film Archives, Liam O’Leary Film Archives, British Film Institute, RTE Film and Illustrations Library, Irish Film Board, Irish Film Institute, The Belfast Central Library, The Linenhall Library, Gael-Linn and all the many people who supplied material and contributed to the series.

Produced and Directed by Bob Brian

Series Adviser: Liam O’Leary

Hollywood Adviser: Anthony Slide

Hollywood Location Manager: Marc Wanamaker

Stills photography: Kenneth McNally

Titles: Alastair McIlwain

Graphic Design: Michael Williams

Original Music Composed and Conducted by Noel Kelehan

Film Cameramen: Blane Scott and Ian MacGregor-White

Film Sound: Paul Irwin and Trevor O’Connor

Film Editor: Pat Devine

Production Assistant: Alison Johnston

Production Associate: Raymond Maxwell

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