Lynda in line for Best Director IFTA
Dundalk woman Lynda Mcquaid with Masterchef presenters Nick Munier and Dylan Mcgrath. Lynda's work on the programme has seen her nominated for the Best Director Award at the Irish Film and Television Awards.
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DUNDALK WOMAN Lynda McQuaid has been nominated for Best Director by the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) for her role in the hugely successful RTE series Masterchef.
Having previously been nominated along with the crew from ' The Apprentice', this is the first time Lynda has been recognised individually for her work as director.
' This is actually the first craft awards for television people, as prior to this you might have been nominated for a particular programme, but not for your own work. It's a good step forward I think for everyone working in television in Ireland.'
Lynda is now one of the most sought after producer/directors. She has been at the helm of some of the country's most watched television series including Popstars, You're A Star, The Apprentice and, most recently, the international format Masterchef, on which she is Series Producer and Director.
Originally from Blackrock, she is a freelance director who works closely with Screentime Shinawill, the production company behind many of the big success stories on Irish television over the last decade.
'When Shinawill were hired by RTE to do Masterchef I knew straight away it was something I wanted to be involved with as I am a real foodie and love watching food programmes on TV.'
'I hadn't worked on any food shows before so it was a new challenge for me. Unlike anything else I have ever been involved with before, food was the main star of the show so, as a director, I had to get my head around that.'
' The Apprentice was very people driven, and all about the personalities involved. Masterchef was very different, but I loved working on it from the outset, as I was a huge fan of the show on BBC.'
The first few months were, she adds, all about finding the ideal location, and after an extensive nationwide hunt the team settled on a derelict army barracks in Island Bridge.
'We were thrilled to find a place that complimented the food, and set the scene for a stylish, visually appealing show.'
Casting presenters Dylan Mcgrath and Nick Munier was the final touch in perfecting what became essential viewing after just a few episodes.
'We are delighted with how it turned out. It's a fantastic show to work on, and there was a great cast and crew. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone at the awards night.'
- OLIVIA RYAN
