Celebrity Spotlight: Gemma Creagh
Celebrity Spotlight: Gemma Creagh
Tell me a bit about yourself and career.
I’ve been writing for a very long time—pretty much since I was a child. However, a few years
back when I was fresh out of college, I was lucky when I got funding for the very first thing I
applied for. Beginners' luck on steroids. It certainly hasn’t quite been plain sailing in the
years’ since, but I’ve stuck with it, and learned a huge amount along the way. After a string
of rejections I went back and did my master’s, worked all sorts of odd jobs in the private
sector, in an arts venue. I was Project Manager of Women in Film and TV Ireland. Now my
day job is as the Assistant Editor at Film Ireland, which is great—I get to meet such sound
filmmakers and watch a lot of deadly films.
How would you describe Conveyance?
It’s a comedy-horror short set against the backdrop of the Irish housing crisis. After years of
searching and being tormented by terrible roommates and parental pressure Brian (Patrick
Martins) and Suzanne (Chrissie Cronin) finally find their dream home. However, when they
move in, they soon discover why it was so affordable. At its heart, it’s a story about one
young couple struggling to communicate…It's spooky, it's funny, and features all the classic
horror tropes—but with a bit of twist.
What was it like working with such a great crew?
For a first-time director, I was very lucky to be surrounded by such high-calibre talent across
the board. Our cast are incredible. Each and every one. I’ve known our DOP, Jaro Waldeck,
since my days as a Training Manager and then at WFT, so it was amazing to finally see her
in action behind the camera. Working with editor Phil Shanahan made the film—his
encyclopaedic knowledge of film not only elevated the final cut but helped us navigate a few
hairy technical situations. One of our producers, Maeve McGrath, who I’ve always admired
as a programmer and creative, also had a hilarious cameo in the film.
What were some challenges of working on the project?
The biggest challenge was time—even with four days we had a really tight shoot schedule
and a lot of locations, set ups and technical elements, especially when it came to the
supernatural elements. Also, balancing tone is always tough when you're mixing comedy
and horror.
What are some of your favorite memories from working on set?
The chats and the food. To save money, my mum and my best friend did the catering—and
they nailed it. Tasty snacks, sandwiches, and a pretty epic mac and cheese. We were very
well fed, which made all the difference when you’re on your feet for that length of time.
What else are you working on?
I’m attached to some really exciting short films, and I’ve got a few longer-form projects in
development. There’s a series set in the cutthroat world of tech sales during the Celtic Tiger,
and another based on a play of mine—it follows an American actor who reconnects with his
estranged, dysfunctional Irish family in an attempt to nail the accent for the role of a lifetime.
And of course, there's a feature length adaptation of Conveyance—it’s a bit darker. In this
version Brian and Suzanne have broken up… but thanks to the housing crisis, they’re still
stuck living together. However first…I’ve been commissioned to write a play—so that’s
immediately next on the to-do list.
Tell me a fun fact about yourself.
I have two… firstly I ALMOST put down science as my first choice on my college application.
Ironically, in Dublin, it was harder to get into film or media at the time. .
Then, Roy Keane was at my wedding. Well—sort of. He just happened to be at the venue on
the same day. But I have a photo. I promised I wouldn’t upload it.
What are you watching on TV these days?
The last programs I caught were Yellowjackets, White Lotus and Severance—some very
prestige TV there. However Australian MAFS is my guilty pleasure. I’m a season behind
though, so no spoilers please.
Anything else you want to share?
Yes! If anyone’s in Dublin on the 10th of May and wants to catch Conveyance on the big
screen, we’ll be screening at the wonderful Ranelagh Film Festival.
