Conor McPherson is an Irish writer and director of both stage and film. His interest in theatre began while he studied at University College Dublin, where he later founded the Fly by Night Theatre Company. McPherson is considered one of the best contemporary Irish playwrights. Plays like The Weir (1999) and Shining City (2004) made their way onto international stages including Broadway. McPherson made his film debut with I Went Down (1999) as a screenwriter. His second film was the award winning Saltwater (2000) which he also directed. Other notable works include The Eclipse (2009) and The Actors (2003). His 2020 releases include Artemis Fowl.