All of us in Metropolitan Films are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed co-founder, colleague and great friend James Flynn, who, after a short illness, departed peacefully on Saturday morning, with his wife Juanita Wilson and children Alex and Anna by this side.
From an early age, James was passionate about cinema and was delighted to commence his career with John Boorman’s Merlin Films as Head of Development. He was appointed Business Manager, and subsequently Deputy CEO, of the then newly established Irish Film Board from 1993 to 1997 and made a crucial contribution to the development of the then fledgling indigenous Irish film production sector.
In 1997 James, along with his wife Juanita, established Metropolitan Film Productions Ltd. to make strong, independent and resonant Irish developed films for the international market.
James went on to develop and produce numerous critically claimed and award winning productions, including ‘H3’, ‘Inside I’m Dancing’, ‘Love-Hate’, ‘KIN’, ‘As If I Am Not There’, ‘Tomato Red’ and and the Academy Award® nominated ‘The Door’.
Through James’ partnership with Morgan O’Sullivan, they successfully brought many major drama productions to Ireland including ‘The Tudors’, six seasons of ‘The Vikings’, three seasons of ‘Vikings Valhalla’, and many more.
With director Neil Jordan, James produced the feature films ‘Ondine’, ‘Greta’ and three seasons of ‘The Borgias’.
Overall, his long, prolific and illustrious career, James was involved in over 80 feature film and television drama productions produced in Ireland, Europe and Canada.
No words can adequately describe the immense contribution James has made to the Irish film and television industry over three decades on both a national and international level.
He willingly and generously gave his advice and guidance to all who sought his counsel, from young emerging film-makers to established Irish and international industry practitioners.
James fought his recent illness with courage, dignity, positivity, and discretion to the very end. For that reason we are acutely aware that the news of his passing has been an unexpected shock for all of us and for many people within and beyond the industry.
Juanita, Morgan, and all of us in the company wish to acknowledge the many personal, heartfelt and well-deserved tributes that have already been paid to James, to thank everyone for their kindness and support at this difficult time, and to share our sympathies with all who join us in mourning the loss of such a remarkable person, a friend, a colleague, and above all, a filmmaker.
JAMES FLYNN
Born 21 August 1965
Date of passing 11th February 2023
Media queries: Sinead O’Doherty: sinead@odohertycommunications.com