About

Strange or Startling Films loves all kinds of stories - the strange, the startling, and all the unexpected moments in between. We make films that make audiences laugh, cry, think, and feel.

Founder and creative industry powerhouse, Mags Levingstone, brings high end, hands-on approach to storytelling, with the agility and soul of a small studio, supported by a hand-picked roster of exceptional directors for their vision, craft and just the right amount of mischief.

We don’t just make films - we can ideate, partner, produce, post produce, problem-solve, challenge, and champion every project from the first spark to the final frame.

Our mission? To create unforgettable films that audiences love just as much as we do.

Make it in Ireland

We're your trusted local partners for Irish productions and provide production services for international production companies looking to film in Ireland.

Our deep knowledge of Irish locations, crew, and regulations means your production runs smoothly from day one. We handle permits, logistics, and everything in between, letting you focus on the creative.

Ireland offers:

Diverse locations within short distances
English-speaking, experienced crews
State-of-the-art facilities

Sustainable Production

At Strange or Startling Films, sustainability is front and centre to how we work. As members of Green the Bid and supporters of Ad Net Zero, we've committed to meaningful action on every production.

We've reimagined production to minimize environmental impact without compromising creative ambition.

Our Pledges:

Carbon-neutral production with emissions measurement and offsetting

Sustainability officer offered on every project
Green suppliers and virtual meetings
Zero single-use plastics
Plant-based catering with compostable materials
Electric transport and car-sharing where possible
Food surplus donated to local charities
Transparent sustainability reporting

Irish Advantage

Filming in Ireland naturally reduces carbon footprint. Our compact country means less travel between locations. Our established network of local, sustainable suppliers means fewer emissions. Our commitment means every decision considers environmental impact.

Diversity Initiatives

We believe the strongest ideas emerge when diverse voices collaborate. That's not just philosophy—it's practice. We actively seek opportunities to work with people from all backgrounds, creating authentic stories that reflect our wonderfully complex world.

Inclusive Hiring:

We maintain diverse crews and actively seek talent from underrepresented communities. We partner with film schools and training programmes to create pathways into the industry.

Authentic Storytelling

We ensure diverse perspectives shape our narratives, both in front of and behind the camera. Real representation means involving communities in telling their own stories.

Accessible Productions:

Our sets welcome everyone. We provide necessary accommodations and create environments where all team members can excel.

A Global Collective.

A Shared Vision.

A Global Collective.

A Shared Vision.

irish member

Supercluster represents a new model for creative collaboration. We're a global collective of independent production companies who believe that the best work happens when borders disappear and ideas flow freely.

Through our partnership with this network, Strange or Startling Films connects you to over 80 exceptional directors worldwide and production partners across 25 countries who share our commitment to creative excellence. This isn't just about sharing resources—it's about sharing perspectives, pushing each other further, and creating work bigger than any of us could achieve alone.

How It Works:

When you work with Strange or Startling Films, you're not limited to our roster. Through Supercluster, we can bring in specialist directors from Tokyo, Toronto, Paris, or Dubai. We share ideas across continents, provide logistical support across borders, and ensure your project benefits from global thinking with local execution.