Banjoman Announces Venture into Entertainment Industry with Dermot Malone’s Debut Feature Film

Irish production company of the year, Banjoman, today announces the start of production on their first independent feature film, marking a new entry into the entertainment industry. 

The film shoots for five weeks through March and April and aims to find an audience late this year / early next year. The micro-budget project is supported by past and present collaborators of Banjoman, including actors who have featured in commercials for the production company and part-funded by brands past and present. Luke Jacobs, a long-term contemporary of Banjoman, shoots the film which will traverse the festival circuit before hitting a global audience. 

With the working title, ‘Just Frankie’, the film meets protagonist Frankie as he attempts to rebuild his life in the aftermath of the Celtic Tiger; a period of economic prosperity in Ireland which was followed by catastrophic decline caused by the onset of the recession in the late 2000s. The scars of the Celtic Tiger are evident in Ireland as the story begins, shown in the abandoned housing developments that are scattered across the country, and held within the lives of people who navigated the monumental highs and abject lows of the period. 

Predominantly a drama with comedic moments and characters, the film constructs its narrative in the form of flashbacks between 2019 and 2009. In the 2019 world, Frankie is attending his father’s funeral, an emotional day on which a surprise guest drags him back to face the sins of his past. Attempting to rebuild his life in the present day, the film is a redemptive arc for Frankie as he faces up to his wrongdoings and their consequences, some of which for the first time since the worst day of his life. 

Peter Coonan, star of ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘Bad Sisters’ heads up the cast, playing the titular role of Frankie. He is joined by Ruari O’Connor, recognised for ‘The Morning Show’ and ‘The Conjuring’, in addition to a host of Irish acting talent including Owen Roe, Olivia Caffrey and Lynn Rafferty. Dermot’s brother Rob Malone will feature, as well as model and artist Rejjie Snow making his cinematic debut.

Dermot Malone, founder + director at Banjoman said, “While I love advertising, and always will, making films has always been my dream. Directing commercials has been an amazing dress rehearsal for this project and I am so grateful for what the experiences on adland sets have given me. While I will be back to it soon, this new step is an exhilarating one. I am immensely proud of the progress that Banjoman has made, and am so grateful for the people, clients and brands that have supported us along the way. This film marks a very exciting new chapter for me personally, but also for the larger Banjoman mission. 2023 will see Banjoman continue to creatively progress in the Irish commercial space, whilst now also supporting the growth of independent storytelling for entertainment markets internationally.”