17 October, 2025

Munster Technological University was proudly represented at REBOOT 2025, an international conference hosted by the University of Vienna exploring the future of European film competitiveness. Attending on behalf of the Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence, Fiacre Muller presented ongoing research on producer training as part of Panel 5: Revisiting Distribution and Production.

The presentation, titled “Rethinking Producer Training: Strategic Reflection, Trust, and the Hidden Competitiveness Gap in European Film,” addressed a growing need to move beyond traditional technical upskilling models. Drawing on the Hincks Centre’s work with the EU-funded CresCine project, a collaboration that includes Dr Niall O’Leary. The research explores how structured reflection and peer exchange can empower producers to reassess direction, reduce overwhelm, and strengthen creative strategy.

"Too often, we teach producers to move faster, but not when or how to pause for reflection,” said Muller. "This research shows that clarity and strategic focus are critical tools, not soft extras."

Workshops conducted across Europe revealed that many producers made substantial project pivots not because they gained new technical skills, but because they were finally given space to question their assumptions and goals. Participants rethought distribution plans, target audiences, and production strategies, thus underscoring the value of low-pressure, peer-supported environments for real-world decision-making. The research positions producers as cultural entrepreneurs operating under deep uncertainty.

The REBOOT conference, held at the Alte Kapelle in the University of Vienna, brought together scholars, policymakers, creatives, and technologists from across Europe to reimagine the cultural future of the film industry. The event emphasised themes of innovation, representation, and systemic transformation, providing a rich context for the Hincks Centre’s cross-disciplinary work.

For more information on this research, please contact fiacre.muller@mtu.ie
or visit www.crescine.eu