Past Projects
Brain Doctors
4 x 52 mins, 2025
Shot over 12 months in Ireland's largest neurosurgical department, this series goes behind the scenes of Beaumont hospital and reveals the extraordinary work of the neurosurgeons operating there. Treating debilitating epilepsy, tremors, Parkinsons, tumours and traumas, every second counts and one wrong move could mean life or death.
Produced by Tyrone Productions for BAI and Virgin Media 1. https://play.virginmediatelevision.ie/shows/4300aa64-e4b4-11ef-9615-020f80c0527e/brain-doctors-inside-neurosurgery
Birdsong
1 x 52 mins, 2024
Ornithologist Seán Ronayne is on a mission to record the call of every bird species in Ireland... that's nearly 200 different types of bird. At once inspiring and a cautionary, his journey reveals the beauty and importance of sound and what listening can tell us about the state of our natural world.
Produced by True Films for BAI, RTE & BBC. https://www.birdsongfilm.com
Manchán's Europe by Train
4 x 52 mins, 2024
In an effort to live a greener life, travel writer and journalist Manchán Megan has given up flying, but that doesn't mean its the end of the road... travelling by ferry and overland he now goes on an epic month-long journey through the heart of Europe, visiting 14 countries and rediscovering the pleasures of slow travel. Tyrone productions for RTE & BAI.
Sir Bu Nu'ayr Island - Nature's Haven
4 x 50 mins, 2023
This series explores the nature and wildlife of Sir Bu Nu'ayr Island and marine reserve. Situated in the middle of the Persian Gulf, approximately 200 km off the coast of Sharjah, the island is known as the jewel of the Arabian sea. It is home to some of the region's most incredible wildlife and is also the site of some groundbreaking scientific & ecological research. Produced by GoGet Films for SBA.
Mrs Robinson
1 x 52 mins, 2022
This documentary tells the story of Mary Robinson, Ireland's first female president and former UN High Commissioner for human rights through her own words. Directed by Aoife Kelleher, the film explores her half century career as a lawyer, politician, and human rights activist, including her work on climate justice with 'the Elders'.
Produced by Loosehorse TV for Screen Ireland, RTE and SKY documentaries. https://www.mrsrobinsonfilm.com
Hospital Live
5 x 52mins, 2022
Presented by Philip Boucher-Hayes and Anna Daly, Hospital Live is a live TV event capturing the lives of healthcare workers and patients, featuring cutting edge surgery and showcasing Ireland's incredible medical innovations and breakthroughs. Produced by Indiepics for RTE and Science Foundation Ireland.
V-Day
1 x 52 mins, 2021
'V DAY' documents the biggest vaccination campaign in Irish history and the beginning of the end of the Covid pandemic. Beginning in February 2021 when the vaccine was first given to the over 85s, the documentary follows the national roll out as it reaches the medically vulnerable, the homeless, the offshore islanders and ultimately the population at large. Filmed over 7 months, V-Day captures the highs, lows, fears and frustrations of the national vaccination programme. Produced by Indiepics for RTE.
Animal Emergency
5 x 52 mins, 2019
This 5 part series brings new insight to the work happening in the
University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital. We meet sick animals, their desperate owners and the dedicated staff working to save them. From a paralysed dog who finally gets the chance to walk again
to a parrot who swallowed a magnet, no two
days are ever the same at the Vet Hospital. Produced by Scratch Films
for Virgin Media 1 and BAI. https://play.virginmediatelevision.ie/shows/49f7bda0-5b45-11ef-b1e3-06d666e635c3/animal-emergency
Work on the Wild Side
20 x 52 mins, 2018 - 2019
Documentary series following the highs and lows of British vets and volunteers who give up their day jobs in the UK to move to South Africa. Here they help rescue, rehabilitate and release everything from rhinos, elephants and lions, to penguins, pangolins and sharks. Produced by Waddell Media for Channel 4.
Inside James' Hospital
6 x 52 mins, 2018
In the winter 2018, St James' opened it's doors to reveal what life is really like inside Ireland's largest teaching hospital. Over the next 6 months 2 camera crews capture not just the dramatic patient stories and lifesaving work carried out by the medical staff, but also the operational work involved in running a hospital during the busiest months of the year. Produced by Indiepics for Virgin Media 1, BAI and More 4.
Carpathian Predators
2 x 60mins, 2017
Shooting director on Episode 1: 'Realm of the Bear' & episode 2 'Realm of the Wolf'. Filmed over 18 months on location across Eastern Europe, this series explores the role of large carnivores on the spectacular ecosystem of the Carpathian mountains. Produced by Blink Films UK for the Smithsonian Institute, Blue Ant International and Sky Nature.
Henry Shefflin: Winning
1 x 52 mins, 2017
Documentary exploring the science of success, not just in sport but also in business, art and politics and life. All-star Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin delves deep into neuroscience and explores what happens to our brains when we win. Produce by Frontline Films for RTE & SFI
How animals work
4 x 52 mins
Four part series presented by TCD zoology professor Peter Wilson exploring the relationship between the anatomy and behaviour of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. Produced by Indiepics for RTE and BAI.
Big Week on the Farm (series 1 – 4)
5 x 52 mins
Shooting & directing wildlife and science VTs for a special week-long series of live programmes. Produced by Indiepics for RTE and Science Foundation Ireland.
After the Headlines
3 x 52 mins series. Veteran journalist Charlie Bird returns to some of the biggest news stories of his career and explores the long-term impact they've had on those at the heart of the events. Produced by Frontline Films for RTE.
Shutterbugs (series 1 & 2)
6 x 26 mins
Series following children as they camp, climb, abseil or snorkel to photograph some of Ireland's most exciting wildlife. Produced by Crossing the Line films for RTE.
Secret life of the Shannon / Ireland's wild river
1 x 52 mins, 1 x 70 mins
Emmy-nominated and winner of Best of Festival at Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and Wildscreen. Feature length documentary exploring the beauty and wildlife of the river Shannon throughout the seasons. Shot over 3 years on location and produced by Crossing the Line Films for BBC, PBS, RTE and BAI.
Crumlin's Children's Hospital
4 x 52mins
Filmed over eight months across 4 departments, this series observes paediatric care in Our Lady's Children's Hospital as medical staff grapple with ethical decisions, rare conditions and complex life and death cases. Produced by Indiepics for RTE and BAI.
Wild Journeys
3 x 52 mins
Series following the scientists who attempt to study some of the world's most amazing animal migrations. Filmed on location in Greenland, Iceland, Cape Verde, South Africa and all across Europe. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for RTE and the Irish Film Board.
Rónán ar an Bhóthar go Santiago
Four part travel series following radio presenter Rónán Mac Aodha Bhu on a personal pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. Produced by Waddell Media for TG4.
Living the wildlife
Series presented by Colin Stafford-Johnson focusing on wildlife news and events around Ireland, including sparrow hawks, foxes and fallow deer. Produced by GMTV for RTE.
Football Scholars
4 part observational series following the fortunes of young Irish teenagers as they leave home to try and kick-start a career as a professional footballer with English premiership clubs. Produced by Loosehorse TV for BAI and Setanta Sports.
John Lonergan's Circus Act
Four-part documentary series in which the former governor of Mountjoy Prison works with eight young people from disadvantaged areas and tries getting their lives back on track. Produced by Independent Pictures for RTE.
Bioblitz
Documentary following the efforts of naturalists and volunteers as they attempt to record and identify as many animal and plant species as possible over a 48 hour period. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for RTE.
New Irish – After the bust
This observational series tells the stories of families who came to Ireland during the boom years and stayed on after the 2008 economic crash. Produced by Animo TV for RTE.
Naked Presidential Election
With a colourful and eclectic cast of characters, the 2011 Irish Presidential Election was always going to be a blockbuster. But no one could have predicted the incredible twists and turns that would unfold in the Race for the Áras. Produced by Loosehorse for RTE.
Unsettled – From tinker to traveller
In 1972 two young anthropologists from San Francisco University spent 14 months living with Irish travellers in a barrel top caravan. 40 years on they return to Ireland to find out what ever became of their companions. Produced by Scratch Films for RTE.
Secret Millionaire & Secret Millionaire revisited
Hotelier and millionaire John Fitzpatrick swaps his Manhattan penthouse for a bedsit in Dundalk and volunteers with local charities to see who could most benefit from his help. One year on a follow up programme looks at the impact his philanthropy has had on the charities he funded. Produced by Animo for RTE.
No place like home
Filmed in Bangladesh, Romania, Vietnam and Thailand, presenter Bob Kelly meets some of Ireland's newest citizens and travels back to their homeland to see the life they left behind. Produced by Motive TV for RTE.
1997 – 2007
Staff Cameraman and Director with multi-award winning production company "Crossing the Line Films", the role consisted of filming and directing natural history, travel and adventure documentaries worldwide.
Some of the projects included:
Last Chance Journeys – Siberia
Shot over 6 months in the Russian Arctic this series follows a family of Nenet reindeer herders as they cross the Yamal peninsula on their annual migration. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for TG4 & National Geographic Channel.
Last Chance Journeys – Sahara
Shot over 7 months in Niger this series follows Al Hassan, an old Tuareg nomad as he leads his camel caravan on a 800 km journey across the Sahara bringing salt from Bilma to the Nigerian border. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for TG4 & National Geographic Channel
Last Chance Journeys – Iran (aka Bezad's last journey)
Shot over 5 months on location this series follows a Qashqai family and their herd of sheep, doneys and goats as they cross the Zagros mountains on their annual migration journey. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for TG4 & National Geographic Channel
Eagles Return
Series following the highs and lows of the re-introduction of golden eagles, white-tailed eagles and red kites to Ireland. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for RTE.
Great rivers – The Amazon
Overland travel series in which news reported Charlie Bird journeys along the Amazon river from source to sea. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for RTE & PBS.
Great rivers – The Ganges
Overland travel series in which news reported Charlie Bird journeys along the Ganges river from source to sea. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for RTE & PBS.
Wild Trials (4 series)
Photographic challenge in which celebrities have a week to complete a wildlife assignment. These included photographing tigers in India, hyenas in Kenya, Great White Sharks in South Africa, bears in Romania and mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for RTE.
Blood of the Irish
Series investigating the origins of the Irish people from the exodus of our early ancestors out of East Africa to the genetic legacy of recent waves of colonisation and immigration. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for RTE.
Tom Crean, Antarctica's Forgotten Hero
One hour feature documentary on one of the most indestructible heroes in the history of Antarctic exploration, using a wealth of photographic & film archive as well as interviews with family members, leading polar historians and Antarctic adventurers. Winner of the 2003 Graz Adventure Film Festival. Produced by Crossing the Line Films for RTE.