IFTA Academy Puts Music Centre Stage | The Irish Film & Television Network

As part of the Academy’s dedication to promoting and encouraging excellence within the Irish film and television industry, the Music Forum will act as a veritable think tank for directors, producers, musicians and composers - exploring the possibilities and practicalities around the business of music composition for the screen.

Speaking about the event, Academy Chief Executive Aine Moriarty said:

“Ireland has a wealth of creative musical talent and the Academy is delighted to facilitate this very exciting event, bringing together a mix of Irish and international industry professionals providing ‘Music for the Moving Image’ in what promises to be a lively afternoon of creative discussion and exploration.”

Among those in discussion on the day will be Oscar, Golden Globe and Ivor Novello winning composer Dario Marianelli, whose credits include ‘Atonement’, ‘Pride & Prejudice’, ‘V for Vendetta’ and the Irish feature ‘I Went Down’. Mr Marianelli will share his trade secrets with the IFTA Academy in addition to presenting a preview screening of ‘The Soloist’, his latest collaboration with director Joe Wright.

Other participants include Maggie Rodford, MD of the Air Edel Group, one of the world’s leading music publishing and production companies; music supervisor/score co-ordinator and director of Hot House Music Becky Bentham, whose credits include ‘Mamma Mia!’, ‘Hotel Rwanda’, ‘Blood Diamond’ and Neil Jordan’s latest ‘Ondine’; and acclaimed Irish director Kirsten Sheridan, whose feature 'August Rush' received a Grammy and Oscar nomination for its original soundtrack; along with producer of the Oscar winning, ultra low budget feature film ‘Once’, David Collins. Other participants and guests include a range of Irish composers from the Music chapter of the Academy and invited experts such as: IFTA winning composer Stephen McKeon (Niko & The Way to the Stars, The Tiger’s Tail, Borstal Boy), composer & conductor Derek Gleeson, ‘Riverdance’ composer Bill Whelan, producer Robert Walpole (The Eclipse, I Went Down) and singer/songwriter Damien Rice, whose songs have appeared in numerous television and feature films.

Ahead of next week’s event, Dario Marianelli said: “It is a real delight to be invited to this event hosted by IFTA, and learn more about the fantastic amount that Ireland contributes to the industry. The film world is so competitive and challenging, I feel it is important for us all to share our own journeys and to learn from each other through events just like this.”

Becky Bentham commented: “I am delighted to be invited to Dublin for the IFTA Music Forum to support Irish film makers and I look forward to discussing music and film with members of the Academy.”

Composer Stephen McKeon said: “It is a pleasure to participate in an event which recognises the great importance music has to film."

For further information about the IFTA Music Forum 2009 visit www.ifta.ie.

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