The Irish Film and Television Awards 2004, in association with eircom, have announced sponsorship of the Best New Talent award by the Irish Film Board and the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission.
This sponsorship reflects the way in which both funding bodies have shown commitment to new Irish talent which has been so wildly successful in a year that has seen the release of an unprecedented number of films from young Irish creative teams. From Cowboys & Angels to Adam and Paul, Man About Dog, which opened number one at the Irish box-office to Freeze Frame and the critically lauded Inside I¹m Dancing, there is a noticeable bounce in the step of an industry on a roll, and what better way to celebrate than with a glittering awards ceremony.
"The Irish Film Board is committed to offering strong support in bringing a rich and diverse range of Irish stories to local and international audiences by facilitating co-financing for today's top Irish talent as well as the emerging teams behind tomorrow's triumphs," says BSE/IFB CEO Mark Woods. "Our commitment to emerging talent ranges from our various short film schemes through to supporting lower budget filmmaking that has brought us such gems as Adam & Paul, Dead Meat, Cowboys & Angels and Goldfish Memory. And, so, we are very proud to co-sponsor this award which recognises the potential of this emerging talent."
Richard Williams, CEO of the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission agreed: 'For the Northern Ireland Film & Television Commission, this is the most important part of the Irish Film & Television Awards. All our futures in this industry depend on emerging talent so it is very pleasing to see that talent is really beginning to blossom in Northern Ireland. The NIFTC is committed to both facilitating the development of that talent and celebrating the subsequent successes. We're delighted to have had the opportunity to work with a number of those shortlisted for this award and wish everyone shortlisted well on the night. It is our hope that the work of the NIFTC, along with that of our co-sponsors the Irish Film Board, will assist in ensuring a steady stream of talent knocking on the door for this award in years to come.'
Aine Moriarity, CEO of IFTN, organisers of the Irish Film and Television Awards, is delighted to welcome the Irish Film Board and the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission as partners: ³The Irish Film Board and Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission are exciting additions to the 2004 Irish Film and Television Awards. Their support underpins their commitment to the development of so much fantastic new talent in Ireland².
Best New Talent Nominees
Allen Leech, (actor) Cowboys & Angels
Wide Eye Films in association with Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board / Peter Stockhaus Filmproduktion GmbH/ Grosvenor Park UK Productions
Des Bishop, The Des Bishop Work Experience
Stop Watch Productions for RTÉ
John Simpson, (writer/director) Freeze Frame
Universal Studios in association with Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board, Northern Ireland Film & Television Commission and Parallel World Productions / Wildfire Films
Pearse Elliott, (writer) Man About Dog
Treasure Entertainment and Potboiler Productions in association with Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board
Karl Geary, (actor) Timbuktu
Yellow Asylum Films, Fantastic Films, MR Films, in association with Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board
www.iftn.ie/awards
