In this important and moving conversation hosted by casting director Ali Coffey, with guests Claire Monnelly (actor/writer) and Aisling Malone (Project Manager), Raising Films Ireland shares its mission to make the screen industry more inclusive, sustainable, and compassionate for people with caring responsibilities. With stories, insights, and practical reflections, this talk explores how the industry can evolve to retain talent, especially parents and carers, by rethinking structures, attitudes, and access.
Original Date Tuesday 15th October 2024
FP Host Siobhán Aislinn & Ali Coffey
Guest Ali Coffey
Key Takeaways on Support for Parents and Carers
1. The Industry Isn’t Built for Carers. But It Can Change
• Long hours, unpredictable schedules, and unpaid development work make film & TV especially hard for parents and carers.
• Many feel they must choose between a career and a family – and too often, they leave the industry as a result.
2. Raising Films Aims to Shift Culture
• Raising Films Ireland was born from a grassroots movement inspired by the UK model.
• Their mission: normalize caregiving, amplify stories, and start industry-wide conversations.
3. Visibility Matters
• Issues around caring – especially eldercare and health – are often invisible.
• Simply naming these realities in casting briefs or on call sheets opens the door for inclusion.
4. Job-Sharing and Flexibility as Solutions
• Flexible models like job sharing allow people to stay in the industry longer, and more sustainably.
• It’s not just about accommodation – flexibility enhances productivity, wellbeing, and creativity.
5. Your Peers May Be Your Allies
• Independent and low-budget productions often lead the way in welcoming carers on set.
• Being upfront (e.g. “I’ll need to bring my baby”) can work – especially when the culture is open.
6. Creative Work Still Belongs to Parents
• Claire Monnelly spoke about how motherhood didn’t stop her creativity – she adapted, shifted timelines, and kept creating.
• Parenting and artistry can coexist, when structures support it.
7. Actors Need Support Too
• Actors often feel they must seem 100% “available” at all times.
• A simple note of flexibility in casting briefs can reduce anxiety and increase access.
8. Care Responsibilities Are Diverse
• Raising Films supports all kinds of care: children, eldercare, health issues, neurodivergence.
• Everyone benefits from a more human-centered industry.
9. Cultural Change Starts with Conversation
• Raising Films focuses on small, practical shifts that build toward long-term transformation.
• A simple survey, a line in an email, or an open conversation can make a big difference.
10. They’re Just Getting Started
• Funded by Screen Ireland, Raising Films runs mentorships, return-to-work programs, and research projects.
• They invite collaboration from across the industry – and especially want to hear directly from actors.
Memorable Quotes
“Filmmaking figured out how to test entire crews during COVID – we can figure out job sharing.”
“You shouldn’t have to choose between the life you want and the art you want to make.”
“I never meant to become a writer – I just had to create my own work to stay in the industry.”
“Opening a door doesn’t mean everyone will walk through it – but knowing the door exists changes everything.”
“The hiring system is informal – and if you lose your network, you lose access.”
“Culture change is slow—but conversations like this are the beginning.”