‘Establishing a larger presence in Belfast is a natural next step’: Crá producers expand in Northern Ireland and appoint new Limavady talent scout

An award-winning Irish film and television production company is strengthening its presence in Northern Ireland with a permanent Belfast office and the appointment of a new development executive.

Fíbín Films has appointed Connor Richmond from Limavady to the role as it looks to develop new projects and build partnerships with writers, actors, directors and production crews across Northern Ireland and beyond.

The expansion comes ahead of the launch of the second season of its Irish-language crime thriller Crá (Boglands), which premieres on TG4 and BBC iPlayer on November 3.

Richmond previously worked as assistant script editor on Joe Barton’s Sky series Amadeus and as development and production script editor on RTÉ and ITV Studios’ The Yank. He also sits on the committee of the Belfast Media Festival.

The first season of Crá was sold and streamed in more than 68 countries, reaching millions of viewers worldwide and becoming one of the most widely distributed Irish-language drama series to date.

Founded in Galway by producers Bernadette Hoban, Ciarán Charles and Darach Ó Tuairisg, Fíbín Films produces film and television projects in both Irish and English for domestic and international audiences. The company was recently selected for the BBC Small Indie Fund 2026.

Its growing Northern Ireland presence reflects plans to develop creative partnerships across the island and build on existing relationships with industry talent in the region, the wider UK, Canada and Denmark.

Bernadette Hoban, co-founder of Fíbín Films, said establishing a stronger base in Belfast was a natural next step for the company.

“This island is home to a rich pool of creative talent and some of the most exciting storytelling taking place anywhere in the world. The success of a long line of original TV and film projects that have originated from here is testament to an industry that is punching well above its weight on the global stage,” she said.

“We have been really encouraged by the appetite for the type of original drama we produce and establishing a larger presence in Belfast is a natural next step for our team.

“That doesn’t mean we’re limiting ourselves to stories set here, we want to find projects with real identity, wherever they come from.”

Ms Hoban said the expansion would also support future productions and create opportunities for new partnerships and talent development.

“As Fíbín Films expands and our slate grows in ambition and scale, it’s important our team grows with it. Connor is a talented executive and matches our ambition to grow into the next generation go-to home for artists and international partners.

“This appointment adds momentum to what has been an extraordinary 18 months for the company and marks an incredibly exciting next chapter as we look forward to working with all our partners in the region.”

The second season of Crá sees Dónall Ó hÉalaí (Hidden Assets, The Punisher) return as the series lead, alongside Alex Murphy (The Young Offenders). New cast members include Siobhán O’Kelly (Mixtape), Art Parkinson (Say Nothing, Aontas) and actor and writer Tony Devlin (Say Nothing).

The series is produced by Fíbín Films and Fíbín Films NI for BBC Gaeilge and TG4, with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Coimisiún na Meán and Screen Ireland. International distribution is handled by About Premium Content (APC).

Directed by Philip Doherty (Redemption of a Rogue), who also helmed the first season, the production brings together an award-winning creative team including Richie Conroy, BAFTA winner Noel McCann, Aoife Nic Ardghail, and Damian McCann and Sarah Gordon, who were recently selected to represent Ireland in the 99th Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category.

Fíbín Films is currently developing a number of additional film and television projects, with its continued expansion in Northern Ireland expected to create further opportunities across the screen industry.

Season two of Crá premieres on TG4 and BBC iPlayer on November 3.