NITV Nabs Oscar Nominated 'The Crush' & 'Wish 143' | The Irish Film & Television Network

‘The Crush’ is written and directed by Michael Creagh and produced by Damon Quinn at Purdy Pictures. The story sees an eight year old schoolboy (played by newcomer Oran Creagh) fall in love with his teacher, Miss Purdy. One day he gives her a toy ring to show his affection. But heartbreak abounds when he bumps into Miss Purdy and her boyfriend having just bought a very real engagement ring. Devastated and spurned, Ardal challenges Miss Purdy’s fiancé to a duel – to the death!

Other cast members in the independently funded short include Olga Wehrly (Rásaí na Gaillimhe), Rory Keenan (The Guard), and Neili Conroy (Kisses). Director of Photogrpah for the project was Jim Creagh (Last Man Hanging) and it was edited by Ciara Brophy (The Widow).

The other title in NITV’s catalogue, that is selected in the same category for this Sunday’s Oscars, is ‘Wish 143’, directed by Ian Barnes (Swing). This is Ian’s second short film and he has, in between making his shorts, also directed comedy and drama for both Channel 4 and the BBC including episodes of ‘Casualty’. ‘Wish 143’ is semi autobiographical, as writer Tom Bidwell took elements of his own personal brush with cancer as a teenager, as inspiration for his comic and life-affirming screenplay.

Derry O’Brien, managing director of distribution company, NITV has voiced his delight at the success of both project thus far, telling IFTN: “Everyone here is thrilled at the news. We were working very closely with each of these talented directors since early last year. We helped them both to manage their films through the various international festivals chosen for each title, right up to their individual applications to the Academy in L.A. last September, which ultimately enabled them to qualify for the much-coveted Oscar!”

He also spoke about the huge effect the Oscar nominations will have on the projects, saying: ”We are confident that strong sales will result for each film in the coming months. As this is the third year in a row that we have represented short films in competition for an Oscar, it really consolidates NITV’s position as one of the major players in the international short film distribution business, I believe.”

The 83rd Academy Awards winners will be announced on Sunday, February 27th. For a full list of nominees visit www.oscars.org

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