Ferdia Mac Anna’s new coming-of-age romantic comedy will enter production for three weeks on location in Kildare.
Set in small town Ireland in 1981, ‘Dannyboy’ tells the story of a young man trying to find love among New Romantics, Post Punks, Goths and others tribes. The film follows its protagonist Daniel, an anxious, stuttering teen who attempts to save his demented family in the midst of a compromising love triangle.
Clelia Murphy (‘Fair City’) and Fiona Condon (‘Red Rock’) star with Darragh Byrne as the titular character. Helena Geoghegan, Alexandra Moloney, Lucy Jones, Paddy C. Courtney and Jack Hickey have also been cast in the feature.
Speaking ahead of production beginning, Director Ferdia MacAnna told IFTN:
“I’ve wanted to make this comedy love story for years and I’m hugely excited by recreating the mad youth scene of Ireland in 1981 in Naas and Sallins and in the wonderfully cinematic big sky country of Kildare. We have a talented cast and crew, cool tunes and crazy dance moves on what we hope is a funny, life-affirming original tale.”
Ferdia Mac Anna and Mary Duffin (‘All about Eva’) wrote the screenplay whilst Alan Rogers (‘Speed Kills’) will partake as the DoP. Philip Lewis takes on editing duties with wardrobe by Joyce Kelly, make up by Jennie Kelly, and sound by Alan Joyce and Neil Horner.
Producer Richie Kearney added:
“We are very excited about this opportunity and the potential of the film. Ferdia and Mary have written a hilarious script and Kildare, which is my home county, is a great location for filmmaking for its urban/rural areas as well as local people acting as extras. We have a dynamic team in place and the wonderful cast are all fired up, ready to go. The local community are behind us and are ready to welcome the 1980’s again.”
The micro-budget feature is a co-production between Dannyboy Films and Frame it Productions, being produced by Richie Kearney, Elvera Butler and Ross Fitzsimons.
The soundtrack is set to include nostalgic songs by Irish and international artists from that decade.
‘Dannyboy’ is set for release in early 2019.
