Cork-based production company Great Island has announced two deals with up-and-coming Irish writers Richie O’Connell (Hush Clowns, Dry) and Joshua Kenny (Into the Badlands, Penny Dreadful) for its two original series Headcase and People Do Bad Things. The new deals reflect Great Island’s wider initiative to offer opportunities to up-and-coming writers and position Cork as a hub for TV talent in the global market.

Headcase is written by Richie O’Connell and demonstrates Great Island’s slate of local Cork stories that appeal to global audiences. The drama/comedy series follows a troubled Cork street artist, his former boxing champion sister and an agoraphobic friend on their search for more meaningful lives. Laying bare the reality of dealing with mental health issues in contemporary Cork city, Headcase explores this complex subject through inclusive characters, dark humour and character relationships. Drawing from his own experience and struggles with mental health, Headcase echoes Richie’s authentic and raw approach to the topic, with contemporary Cork city as a vibrant backdrop.

The upcoming dark comedy People Do Bad Things is written by Josua Kenny. Grace’s suicide attempt is interrupted by a young thief named Jack, who Grace catches breaking into her home. With nothing else to lose, Grace offers to help him rob her, leading Grace to become involved with a gang of criminals whom she influences to use their skills for good. People Do Bad Things is the depiction of members of society who have been excluded, sharing a unique look at why good people do bad things. Centred around human connection and the importance of empathy, Kenny’s Cork-based story communicates a universal message about acceptance and creating a more inclusive society.

As an independent Irish production company creating original content for global audiences, Great Island has been granted funding from Screen Ireland which will see the development of People Do Bad Things and Headcase, specifically boosting support and opportunities for Irish screen writing talent.

Mark Kenny, CEO of Great Island says “It’s our pleasure to announce our collaboration with these two fantastic writers. A huge amount of work has gone into shaping these stories for screen adaption, and we are thankful to Richie and Joshua for trusting us with their work and collaborating with us individually. Headcase and People Do Bad Things are local Cork stories that are authentic yet universally relevant in their own right. This is something we look for in every project we that we work on. With thanks to Screen Ireland, we are working to bring these stories to audiences around the world.”