Donegal Film Office has joined forces with Cinemagic to deliver the first Cinemagic Donegal Cross-Border Film Camp. The Film Office at Donegal County Council is committed to exploring options for training across the region by working in co-operation with the award-winning youth film organisation, Cinemagic, to entice young people to consider the film industry as a career option.
The Film Camp will produce a short film that will be made by young people under the guidance of Cinemagic industry professionals with a focus on good relations. Budding filmmakers, aged 15-20, will have the chance to develop their talents and earn a credit on the local production being made in Donegal in September 2019.
Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People is an award-winning charity that has been educating, inspiring and motivating young people across the world for the last three decades. Cinemagic is an organisation with international networks and a worldwide reputation for excellence in children’s programming. As the largest film and television festival designed for and by young people in the UK and Ireland, 40,000 young people (aged 4-25) participate in Cinemagic events in Belfast, Dublin, London, New York and Los Angeles each year. Cinemagic, celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, and has recently produced two feature films, A CHRISTMAS STAR and GRACE AND GOLIATH; secured worldwide distribution for both films; developed award-winning “behind the scene” documentaries; produced over 100 short films and supported hundreds of young trainees to secure work in the film and television industry. Cinemagic has incredible patrons that share in its ethos such as, Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Suranne Jones, Paula Malcomson and Julian Fellowes, to name but a few. The charity is delighted to partner with Donegal Film Office at Donegal County Council, Creative Ireland and The Ireland Funds Great Britain to deliver such an exciting new initiative in the breath-taking surroundings of Donegal.
Project providers are looking for committed, talented and creative young people from all backgrounds living in Donegal, Derry-Londonderry, Strabane and the surrounding areas who will gain unprecedented access to industry professionals during the making the short film; the successful applicants will participate in a programme of practical training led by the professional mentors during August and September 2019.
The opportunity will provide the young filmmakers with an invaluable insight to all aspects of filmmaking and the essential skills required in each department. The young people will be assigned individual roles on the film crew and during the film shoot which will take place in September 2019. Participants will also be involved with the DISAPPEAR HERE Film Festival which runs 27th -29th September.
Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Chief Executive, Cinemagic said “With thanks to Donegal Film Office, Creative Ireland and The Ireland Funds Great Britain, Cinemagic is able to offer a hands-on learning experience for young people who are interested in working in film production. The participants will develop new skills in filmmaking but also key skills in communication, team- work, working to a deadline and working within budgets, all of which will contribute to personal development and employability skills. The cross-border element will allow young people from Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to work together on an exciting new initiative that showcases their creativity, talent and leadership skills.”
Aideen Doherty Donegal Film Office added “We are thrilled to be working with Cinemagic and providing this opportunity for young people in the region. Donegal has lots to offer the industry by way of landscapes and services. This is the start of a journey to improve the skills base among young people considering film as a career and where better to showcase their work than in Ballyliffin, at Disappear Here Film Festival”.
Caitriona Fottrell, Director, The Ireland Funds added “The Ireland Funds Great Britain is delighted to support Cinemagic and their work with young filmmakers in Donegal and Derry~Londonderry. The Ireland Funds has a rich history of supporting arts, culture and cross-community initiatives. This programme will provide an opportunity for all young people, from all backgrounds, to unleash their creativity. We look forward to seeing what new talent this fantastic programme will nurture.”
For more information please shauna@cinemagic.org.uk
Funding is provided by The Ireland Funds Great Britain, Creative Ireland and Donegal Film Office at Donegal County Council.
