Irish film producer James Flynn
(Picture: Getty Images)Tributes are being paid to Irish film producer James Flynn who has died aged 57.
Mr Flynn, who co-produced Oscar-nominated dark comedy The Banshees of Inisherin, died on Saturday morning with his wife Juanita Wilson and children Alex and Anna by his side. The cause of death is unknown.
He has been hailed as a “wonderful person” who had an “encyclopaedic knowledge of film” following his passing.
Ed Guiney, who worked on the 1998 film Sweety Barrett with Mr Flynn, praised his former colleague in a moving tribute.
He told The Irish Times: “James was a wonderful person, a brilliant producer – he had an encyclopedic knowledge of film and was the smartest of all of my generation of producers.
“He made massive contributions to the industry at the Film Board, as a member of Screen Producers Ireland and as a producer.”
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
“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,” said the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland on Twitter.
Mr Flynn’s long list of film credits include Sir Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel and Greta starring Isabelle Huppert.
He also executive produced hit TV series Vikings and its spinoff Valhalla.
In 1997 he and his wife Juanita set up Metropolitan Films, which has been involved with more than 80 feature film and television productions.
In a statement, Metropolitan Film said: “All of us in Metropolitan Films are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed founder, colleague and great friend James Flynn, who departed peacefully on Saturday morning with his wife Juanita Wilson and children Alex and Anna by his side.
“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, and positivity 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.”
