- Film And TV
- 13 Feb 23
Producer James Flynn has also worked as a producer on films and television shows such as Vikings, Penny Dreadful and The General.
Tributes have flooded in following the death of 57-year-old James Flynn, co-producer of the award-winning The Banshees of Inisherin.
In addition to his contribution to the Oscar-nominated film's production, Flynn worked on a number of other projects involving influential figures in the Irish film industry. These include films such as Veronica Guerin, Angela's Ashes, and Love/Hate.
Several tributes have been paid to the producer since his death on Sunday the 12th February.
Minister Catherine Martin posted her condolences today on Twitter: "I am greatly saddened by the news of the passing of James Flynn. His most recent success with The Banshees of Inisherin was the culmination of a career at the very forefront of Irish cinema and TV drama production“.
“My deepest sympathies to Juanita and his family," the Minister for Culture added. "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”.
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The Screen Directors‘ Guild of Ireland said it was “deeply saddened by the passing of producer James Flynn, a huge loss to the industry and our thoughts are with his family”.
The Director’s Guild is deeply saddened by the passing of producer James Flynn, a huge loss to the industry and our thoughts are with his family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eyDZlZZ2iF
— SDGI (@screendirectors) February 12, 2023
Paul Young, producer of the Oscar-nominated The Secret of Kells also paid his tribute to Flynn: “Without James, we may never have gotten our first film, The Secret of Kells, off the ground. Irish film and Television has lost a great mentor and champion,” he said.
James Flynn began his career in the film industry as the head of development at John Boorman's Merlin Films. After the Irish Film Board (now Screen Ireland) was re-established in 1993, he became a business manager and later took on the role of deputy chief executive at the film studios.
The film industry underwent a transformation as he gained more experience, leading to its current prominence. On his first large international television productions, he worked with Morgan O'Sullivan.
Shows such as The Tudors, The Borgias, and Penny Dreadful thereby provided invaluable experience to a new generation of Irish professionals, both in front of and behind the camera.
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The Banshees of Inisherin has received widespread acclaim since its Venice premiere, including nominations for Golden Globe and Academy Awards. As a result, it has been one of the most successful projects that Flynn has worked on.
He is survived by his partner Juanita and two children, Alex and Anna.
Our statement from @MetropolFilm on the passing of our dear friend and great colleague, James Flynn. A wonderful person who has departed far too soon. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by so many. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/VLAm4uk5XJ
— David McLoughlin (@dmlirl) February 13, 2023
Absolutely horrific news. James Flynn, co-producer of The Banshees
of Inisherin, dies at only 57.
His projects included an endless list of phenomenal projects and films. Outstanding career.
Banshees of Inisherin, competes now in 9 categories at Oscars.
Rest in Power James 🕊 pic.twitter.com/YoWyxFGxgD— Dr. Jennifer Cassidy (@OxfordDiplomat) February 13, 2023
We are saddened to hear of the passing of James Flynn. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. https://t.co/46SOs59IdL
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 13, 2023
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I am greatly saddened by the news of the passing of James Flynn.His most recent success with @Banshees_Movie was the culmination of a career at the very forefront of Irish cinema & TV drama production. My deepest sympathies to Juanita and his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. https://t.co/dUWeDJfBv1
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) February 12, 2023
Very saddened to hear James Flynn (55) died. A huge loss to the Irish film&TVindustry he helped to build. https://t.co/8B9H8KJhKX Oscar nominated & Multi/award winner, courageous visionary, kind &generous man.💔Thinking of Juanita &their children Anna & Alex. pic.twitter.com/TStlQMzXkP
— Michele Devlin 🇺🇦 (@micheledev1) February 12, 2023
Very sad to hear about the death of leading light of Irish film James Flynn. We had many chats over the years & he was v kind bringing me onto shadow direct on Love Hate & recently Vikings Valhalla. James was smart, ambitious & has done incredible work for the industry. RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uBx7AZQf0X
— Mark O' Connor (@markoconnorfilm) February 12, 2023
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We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of James Flynn. We fondly remember his generosity in attending our 2011 screening of Ondine and conducting a wide-ranging Q&A afterwards. Our thoughts are with his friends and family, particularly his partner Juanita Wilson. RIP James. pic.twitter.com/YCeUPpvug6
— Maynooth Film For All (@AllMaynooth) February 13, 2023