Masterclass with Damian McCarthy

8 Jan 2024

Damian McCarthy, an award-winning filmmaker based in Cork City, Ireland, graduated with a Distinction in Scriptwriting and Directing from St. Johns College Cork. His focus on crafting short horror films, including He Dies At The End, Hatch, Hungry Hickory, Never Ever Open It, and How Olin Lost His Eye has garnered him international recognition at festivals such as Frightfest in London, Screamfest in LA, The New York City Horror Film Festival, and the San Sebastien Horror & Fantasy Film Festival.

As a two-time winner of the Melies d’Argent Award for Best European Short Film, Damian has also received the Delta Film Award, the International Indie Short Film Award, and the Cutting Edge Award for Best Emerging Horror Director. In 2021/2022, his feature film CAVEAT enjoyed a successful festival run, earning the Award of the Festival at the Indie Cork Film Festival and the Total Film Best Scare Award at Frightfest in London. Following its festival success, CAVEAT was distributed by SHUDDER after being picked up by MPI.

The triumph of CAVEAT facilitated financing for Damian's second feature film, ODDITY (set to release in 2024), featuring Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody), Carolyn Bracken (An Cailín Ciúin), Steve Wall (Vikings), and Tadhg Murphy (The Northman). Additionally, Damian secured representation at the top talent agency UTA. Currently, he is in the process of developing his third feature film script.