The Production Depot, leading Equipment supplier, in association with the Irish business initiative, 'Connect Ethiopia', are looking to the Irish Film and Television Industry for help to assist them source equipment to use in developing training and employment in the film and television sector in Ethiopia.
This need has long been there but was recently highlighted during a meeting in Africa between Irish Cameraman, Fergal O'Hanlon, and 'Connect Ethiopia' Committee member, Philip O'Dwyer and local TV Producer Teferra Ghedamu. During this accidental meeting it became obvious that there was something that could be done in Ireland to assist in supplying and training people in Ethiopia to develop their TV and film sector.
Having visited Ethiopia, Fergal O'Hanlon approached The Production Depot who in turn contacted 'Connect Ethiopia' to see what could be done. ‘Connect Ethiopia’ confirmed that the current state of the Film / TV Sector in Ethiopia is not dissimilar to what it was like here in Ireland in the 80's. They are several generations behind in technology terms and cannot afford the market prices to upgrade to today's equipment levels.
'Connect Ethiopia' is an Irish business charity changing the way poverty is tackled in the developing world. Focusing the efforts of the Irish business communities, institutions and sectoral associations. The organisation assists in the creation of a multitude of linkages between Ireland and Ethiopia, aimed at assisting the country's economic development. They act as a catalyst stimulating trade, investment, knowledge & technology transfer and capacity building. Connect Ethiopia organise two trade missions per annum, usually in April and Oct/Nov, bringing out Irish business people and organisations. Next trade mission is 26th April 2009.
As a result of his previous film/TV experience Philip O'Dwyer from Connect Ethiopia is helping the local film/TV sector to organise itself and he hopes that in the next 12-18 months it will be possible to have a film/TV trade mission to Ethiopia.
The Production Depot is asking companies along with industry professionals to join them by donating any Camera, Grip, Lighting, TV and all associated Equipment including Stores, Consumables. Manual, Books.
All equipment is welcome - old or new. Equipment can be sent to The Production Depot in Bray, Co Wicklow where it will sorted, assessed and then, after servicing, will be sent on to Ethiopia through 'Connect Ethiopia'.
For more info please visit: www.connectethiopia.com and www.production-depot.com.
