What the Heaven / Hell Are We Doing?
PROJECT: As part of Sebastian Barry’s tenure as Laureate for Irish Fiction, a series of filmed conversations was developed bringing him into dialogue with fellow Irish writers, focusing on writing, reading, influence, and creative practice.
CLIENT: Laureate For Irish Fiction / Arts Council
What they needed
They wanted a documentary-style video series that felt intimate and thoughtful, allowing space for real conversation rather than formal interviews. The aim was to capture the texture of these exchanges in a way that felt generous, reflective, and true to how writers actually talk to one another.
What we did
We filmed a series of extended conversations between Sebastian Barry and Irish writers including Sara Baume, Melatu Uche Okorie, Paul Lynch, Roddy Doyle, John Boyne, Mia Gallagher, and Claire Kilroy, among others. The setup was kept simple and unobtrusive so the focus stayed on the exchange itself.
It’s a project from earlier on in our practice, but one that still feels important to us. Sebastian was a joy to work with, and his warmth, curiosity, and generosity as a listener shaped the tone of the series. Our approach was deliberately restrained, letting the conversations unfold at their own pace and giving the writers room to think aloud, digress, and reflect.