The National Youth Film School has been launched by the Minister for Arts, Jimmy Deenihan, and Young Irish Filmmakers (YIFM).
The YIFM have run The National Youth Film School at IADT since 2002, and this year they have teamed up with the Irish Film Industry to run a high talent programme for the future filmmakers of Ireland.
60 young people between the ages of 16 and 19 will be called to attend industry master classes at Easter and 30 budding filmmakers will be chosen to attend a week long training and production workshop during the summer. The school will have top industry experts and practical workshops ranging from writing to lighting, production to editing, as well as incorporating the best equipment the film industry has to offer.
Industry backing for the film school comes from the Irish Film Board, Screen Training Ireland, the Screen Directors Guild, Screen Producers Ireland and Filmbase.
Previous students at YIFM include Oscar nominee Tomm Moore (Cartoon Saloon), Luke Harris (3D animator on Avatar) and John Morton (Creative Director of Devious Theatre Company).
At the launch, Minister Deenihan said: “The National Youth Film School at IADT is the first industry backed, national co-coordinated programme for young Irish talent consisting of master-classes, career coaching and hands on sessions with industry professionals. Production activity in the Irish film industry was worth €168m to the economy last year and there is no doubt that this programme will have a very positive impact on the industry in the years ahead.”
Mike Kelly, creative director at YIFM, commented “With the generous backing of The National Film School at IADT and the film industry, students who take part in the project will receive a once in a life time opportunity to grow their skills, see the industry from the inside out and make all the right moves towards college and a career in film.”
Young filmmakers will also get the chance to work with a professionally run crew to produce a short film. An industry premiere is also planned for autumn 2014 to screen the films and showcase the young talent.
You can check out past films created by the students here. To register for the upcoming National Youth Film School at IADT click here
Registration deadline is February 28th.