Tuesday 15 January 2013

RTE’s Dead Money rises to IFTAs shortlist

RTE’s hit show Dead Money has been shortlisted in the 2013 Irish Film & Television Awards.

(L-R) Steven and Kit Smyrl
The six-week series, produced by production company ProMedia, proved hugely popular during its initial run in March and April 2012 and has since been repeated twice.

Depicting the work of Massey & King, a probate research firm owned by brothers Kit and Steven Smyrl, each episode of Dead Money set the search for next-of-kin to an unclaimed estate in an historical and emotional context in which the located relatives discovered their entitlements to a sum of money – sometimes a small fortune!

Dead Money’s IFTA shortlist was based upon an episode which told the story of the search for the nearest relatives of the late Alan Murray, a former taxi driver living in Sligo. After searching in Ireland and overseas and tracking down various cousins, a long-lost daughter, Angela, was discovered some seven years after Alan had died. Never having known about her Irish family, viewers saw a tearful Angela finally meet the relatives she never knew existed. In a remarkably poignant scene, she also learned that her father – who she believed had abandoned her mother – had maintained contact and visits while she was still a youngster.

On hearing of the IFTA shortlist, Massey & King’s Steven Smyrl said: “Both Kit and I are thrilled by the nomination and want to thank all the team at ProMedia for their hard work in turning the idea into reality. This particular episode portrayed a difficult and heart-breaking story in a sensitive manner and demonstrated how probate research can deliver more than just money.”

Organised by the Irish Film & Television Academy, this year’s IFTAs mark the 10th Anniversary of the Awards. The event promises to be an unforgettable occasion, celebrating Ireland’s outstanding film and television productions in 2012 and reflecting upon a decade of exceptional Irish art, creativity and entertainment.

More about Dead Money.