Crossing the Line Productions are Emmy award-winning documentary producers based in Mayo making crafted films featuring powerful stories on subjects ranging from wildlife to science to history. The company was established by Managing Director John Murray in 1993 to document the first Irish Everest Expedition and has gone on to produce documentaries for Irish and International broadcasters.
Company Director of Crossing the Line Productions is Cepa Giblin and together with John Murray, the two are hugely enthusiastic about not only developing their business in the West of Ireland, but also helping to develop work opportunities for people living in the region - something that was not open to them in the past.
Cepa explains: "I am from Sligo and always hoped to relocate the company to the West of Ireland where many of our documentaries are filmed. Growing up, it would have been almost impossible to gain any opportunities in media in the West and this was something we wanted to change – we wanted to bring production to the West and provide experience, opportunities and employment here. This will hopefully help bring western voices and stories to screen both nationally and internationally.
"In our approach to both development and production, we are constantly striving to build on our previous experiences to create projects that push the boundaries of excellence in documentary film-making – always looking for the strongest stories, the best ways of telling them and the means of bringing them to the widest international audience possible."
Competing with global content
"The way people consume media is changing dramatically and at an unprecedented pace and this is having a huge impact on our business and how Crossing the Line fit in, both on a national and international level. No longer is everyone watching the same two channels so we now have to compete with content from all over the globe. As audiences shift to Netflix, YouTube or any of the myriad of other online digital content sources, production companies are having to adapt or struggle to survive.
"At the same time, the flexibility and ability to try new things is probably the aspect of running our own business we enjoy most. Being in control means that we can choose the kind of films we make and the stories we get to tell."
Moving To Westport
"The west of Ireland has always featured hugely in our productions and taking the company to Westport feels like a natural progression. We decided to move the company to Westport just before Covid arrived in our lives. We were looking to set up office in a suitable place with good facilities that would help re-establish the company in the West of Ireland and foster connections with other local businesses and the wider community. We are very keen to develop local talent and provide opportunities for passionate people from the Mayo region to work in media production. Our aim is to continue developing films with a western connection and provide training and employment opportunities based in the Westport region."
Supportive space at LEC
"The Leeson Enterprise Centre (LEC ) is crucial to a variety of Westport businesses starting up or seeking establishment in the town, as office space and facilities are very limited. The community atmosphere within the Centre provides the perfect supportive space for small and establishing companies to gain their footing, while the networking opportunities assist greatly in getting to know the local business environment. I would recommend the Centre for anyone like us new to the region, or just starting out. It allows you an opportunity to settle into Westport and get to know the opportunities that exist in order to grow your business. For small businesses, there is a supportive atmosphere amongst companies within the Centre, which can be vital when you are starting out. A great asset for Westport would be for the Centre to grow in size and variety, attracting new types of businesses both from within and outside County Mayo."
And the best thing about being an entrepreneur, Cepa concludes, is: "Setting up a business doing something you love. The hours and effort can take their toll but if it’s in an area you are passionate about, you rarely feel your time is wasted."
