Campbell Ryan Productions new interactive TV series ‘Aisling’s Diary’, directed by IFTA nominated helmers Ronan and Rob Burke (Jellybaby), begins filming this week on location in Dublin. The 40 x 3 minute TV series is commissioned by RTÉ’s Young Peoples’ Department.
Three weeks of filming begins on Monday 14th July at various locations around Dublin with DOP Eleanor Bowman (Fiúl agus Dúch, Mating Rituals) lensing.
The series, starring ‘Hollywood Trials’ participant Chris Newman (Song for a Raggy Boy, Love is the Drug) and newcomer Esther DiMaggieo, follows the life of an Irish dance obsessed Irish American teenager, Aisling (DiMaggieo), who returns with her family to Ireland and attempts to fit in to a new school and culture. As her family struggle to adjust to their new life, Aisling falls for the hip hop bad boy next door (Newman).
The series will screen as inserts on RTÉ Two’s TTV in September, airing Monday – Friday. A Bebo page will also be launched to accompany the series, containing background information and pieces to camera from the main characters.
’Aisling’s Diary’ is created by ‘Sofia’s Diary’ creator Nuno Bernardo and written by Melanie Martinez and Irish writer Róise Goan (Aifric). Line producer on the series is Mairtin de Barra from the Louth, Newry & Mourne Film Commission. Post-production will take place in the UK.
“We are really excited about this series as it examines what it means to be Irish in contemporary Ireland,” ‘Aisling’s Diary’ producer Tríona Campbell told IFTN. “The series will feature modern dance, hip hop and Irish dance, and we will also be launching a search online for new Irish bands to play on the soundtrack to the series.”
“Young Peoples have a strong track record in innovation and we are delighted to be working with Campbell Ryan on ‘Aisling’s Diary,” said Sheila de Courcy, Commissioning Editor, RTÉ Young Peoples’ Programmes.
Campbell Ryan Productions also recently wrapped filming on series two of hit interactive series ‘Sofia’s Diary’ on location in England. Produced on behalf of Sony Pictures Television International, in association with Bebo, ‘Sofia’s Diary’ has attracted over 16 million views on line to date. The series, which is the second highest rated show on UK TV channel FIVER, has already been re-commissioned for a third installment.
