Business

High Flyers: Picture this as Maeve helps develop fresh young talent

Maeve McLoughlin
Maeve McLoughlin Maeve McLoughlin

Maeve McLoughlin is chair of the RTS NI Programme Awards and has just taken on the role of development executive with Renegade Pictures UK, having spent the last year as youth executive with BBC Three/NI Screen. This year’s RTS NI winners were announced online last Thursday by Patrick Kielty

To take part in the High Flyers Q&A, get in touch via business@irishnews.com.

What was your first job?

I have had multiple jobs over the years, but my first part time job was as a waitress at a wedding venue when I was 16. I loved it.

What qualifications do you have?

I have an undergraduate degree in drama and theatre studies and a masters degree in television production. I ended up getting my foot in the industry door through a talent scheme ran by Northern Ireland Screen, so it could be argued that qualifications don’t always add to your break.

What do you attribute your success to?

Hard work and determination to succeed. I had a lot of people support me on my journey and without them championing me and opening doors, I wouldn’t be where I am.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?

Someone who wants to do well and is trying to be a nice person at the same time. But ultimately a human who occasionally makes mistakes and tries to not make them again.

Who do you look up to in business?

Clever people who recognise a gap in the industry. Mostly people who make a real success out of very little, like food trucks and coffee stands. Hard work can pay off and I really admire that.

How do you get the best out of people who work for you?

By treating them as my equal. Ultimately, we just have more experienced people and less experienced people. My job is no more important than theirs, we’re just at different stages and all need to work together.

If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

I think the changes I want are already happening. From a media perspective there’s been a lot of talent come out of Northern Ireland, and other parts of the UK and the wider world are noticing and wanting to work more with us. I just want it to keep improving and more business to come our way.

What website or app could you not do without?

I love Shazam. Nothing better than hearing a song you love and could use in a production somewhere and being able to find out straight away what it is. Instant gratification.

What was the last book you read?

I love fiction books. My last book was by Dolly Alterton ‘Ghosts.’ I find reading a great way to relax and switch off from technology.

What car do you drive?

A BMW 2 series estate. A true soccer mom car. Before that it was a 2001 Volkswagon Polo. The sales man was very amused by my upgrade.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I had so many different jobs and careers before TV that it was a bit of a joke for my family. Ask me any job and I’ve probably done it including working as a carpenter’s hand.

What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?

I am crazy about horses. It’s my dream to have my own someday. I’ve been asking Santa for a very long time.