DONEGAL writer Shannon Welby is a finalist in the 19th Writers’ Guild of Ireland (WGI) Zebbie Awards which celebrates Irish writing for stage, screen and audio.
The awards ceremony, which will be presented by Tara Flynn, will take place at the Light House Cinema in Dublin on Thursday, September 3rd.
Welby, who is from Donegal Town, is a finalist in the Best Short Film Script category for Minding. She has worked as a writer in comedy and drama for film, television, and stage across the UK and Ireland.
Joy Nesbitt for The Knife, and co-writers Aisling Byrne and Caitríona Daly for Mary is Missing are the other finalists in the category.
The WGI, which campaigns for rights, remuneration, more control of work and better recognition for its members, represents Irish writers for film, television, theatre, radio, animation and games. It campaigns to ensure writers are recognised as the creative force and the award show is an important reminder to the industry that no production can exist without a script.
The exceptionally high standard of Irish writing is reflected throughout this year’s nominations, with other nominees including Ailbhe Keogan in the Best TV Drama Script category for Trespasses, Episode 4. She is shortlisted alongside Mary Fox and Marty Thornton for Hidden Assets, Series 3 Episode 1, and Jo Spain for Mix Tape, Episode 1.
Donegal writer Shannon Welby who is a finalist in the 19th Writers’ Guild of Ireland Zebbie Awards
The Zebbie Awards celebrate the best of Irish writing in Theatre, Television Drama, Continuing Drama, Short Film, Feature Film, Radio & Audio Drama and Children’s & Young People’s Television. Only WGI members can read the nominated scripts and vote in the member-voted categories.
The awards are named in honour of O.Z. ‘Zebby’ Whitehead, a Broadway and Hollywood actor who was a great supporter of theatre and writing in Ireland after he moved to Dublin in 1963.
Jennifer Davidson, Chair of the Writers Guild of Ireland, said:
“Once again, we’re delighted to celebrate the extraordinary craft and talent of Irish writers through the Zebbie Awards. This year’s nominations show the range and quality of writing being created by our members across stage, screen and audio.
“At a time when the Irish screen industry is experiencing record-breaking growth, it is more important than ever that writers are properly recognised and fairly paid for the work that makes that success possible. No film, television series, play, audio drama or children’s programme can exist without the script at its heart.
“The Zebbies are an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the brilliant creative minds behind the stories audiences love, and to remind the industry that fair contracts, fair payment and public recognition for writers must be central to any sustainable future for Irish storytelling.”