Galway-based production company ROSG are currently in production with 2x52 documentary ‘Scéal na Gaeilge’ (The Story of Irish). Produced by Ciarán Ó Cofaigh and directed by Diarmuid Goggins, the documentary follows the story of the Irish language from the earliest times to the present day.
But it is no ordinary documentary, as producer Ciarán Ó Cofaigh told IFTN: “We want to do something fun and light and entertaining, so we’re using a mixture of media, including animation and dramatic re-enactments.” Written and presented by Professor Alan Titley, the Head of the Irish Department at University College Cork, the documentary will filmed at various historical locations throughout Ireland and Alan will be seen interacting with short animation pieces and green screen background.
‘Scéal na Gaeilge’ is funded by TG4, the BAI and Foras na Gaelige. ROSG are currently in the process of seeking the final funding for this project.
Alongside their partners, ROSG are also prepping for the short film scheme Scéal, which will produce 6x25 minute short films. Following on from previous successful schemes Síol and Údar, Scéal is a scheme that gives talented writers/directors opportunity to develop their script form concept stage to broadcast. Scéal is a co-production between ROSG and Eo Teilifís.
ROSG are currently in the process of drawing up a shortlist of applicants to the Scéal, ahead of writing workshops which will begin in mid October. Ciarán said the project is one which “helps develop the writers and the directors. We run a series of workshops and we bring down experienced directors to act as mentors and they get a chance to work with professional crew.” He explains that, as opposed to just providing funding, Scéal provides “an infrastructure for these upcoming writers/directors to work within.”
‘An Bronntanas’ is a contemporary thriller set against the backdrop of the Conamara Coastline, and the dramatic lives of a local lifeboat crew. One stormy night, the crew are called out on a rescue mission on choppy seas. When they come across the endangered boat, they find a single crew member handcuffed to the steering wheel, viciously murdered, and a cargo of €2 million worth of drugs onboard. Due to desperation at an economically bleak time, they decide to keep the drugs for their own financial gain. Their lives spiral into a world of paranoia, violence and tragedy.
Defacto Films and ROSG are currently in the process of seeking final funding for this project.
ROSG are the production company behind ‘Na Cloigne’, which was nominated for a whopping six IFTA Awards, as well as beating off stiff competition from the likes of ‘Sherlock’ and ‘Single Dad’ to take home Best Drama Series at the Celtic Media Festival earlier this year. For more information on ROSG, visit their website at www.rosg.ie/en/
