IADT in association with Creative Futures Academy, Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet and AVENUE COVE @IADT are delighted to host Producers as Entrepreneurs exploring the current global landscape of children’s media production and emerging opportunities for Irish producers. Talks will include global media experts, content creators and broadcasters as they discuss current trends, technological advancements, and the opportunities to engage audiences in diverse formats.  

Speakers include: 

Cathal Gaffney is the Co-Founder of Brown Bag Films and the Chief Innovation Officer for Brown Bag Films/ 9 Story Media. Cathal is an Oscar nominated director and multiple Emmy winning producer. Cathal is also an Honorary Fellow of IADT. 

Emily Horgan is an independent media consultant and former Disney executive. Her role involves managing children’s franchises in the new streaming world. She has published on her work on Whats-On-Netflix.com as well as through her newsletter, The Kids Streamer Sphere and she is a co-host of the Kids Media Club Podcast.   

Chris Dicker is a creator, executive producer and showrunner who is currently writing and directing multiple feature films, as well as executive producing, writing and directing a diverse range of original IP. Chris has written and visually developed projects for Netflix, Nickelodeon, Sky, Disney and the BBC.

Eimear 0’Mahoney has worked in RTÉ for over 20 years. Over that time, she has worked in sport, current affairs, Irish language programming and the entertainment department. In 2019, she joined Young Peoples’ programmes as an executive producer and has worked on a wide range of animation and live action programming.

This event will take place in the Carnegie Library on George’s street lower, Dún Laoghaire on May 1st, 2026.  

Places can be booked here!