Brendan Gleeson’s new short film ‘Psychic’, which features the full Gleeson family across the cast and credits, will air on Sky Arts this St Patrick’s Day.
IFTN spoke with Brendan to find out more about making his directorial debut and working with a family ensemble.
Written by Rory Gleeson (‘Rockadoon Shore’), ‘Psychic’ tells the story of a charismatic psychic (Brendan Gleeson) who is forced out of retirement by his two manipulative sons (Domhnall and Brian Gleeson) and taken on the road. The last obstacle to gaining a large cult following is a TV show host (Ingrid Craigie) determined to bring them down. A light and dark tale of family showmanship and the suspension of disbelief.
‘Psychic’ not only marks Brendan Gleeson’s directorial debut, but it is also the first time that the Emmy-winning actor has had the chance to work with all four sons. Fergus Gleeson provided the music for the film.
Speaking about Psychic’s small screen debut, Brendan Gleeson said:
“I am thrilled with how Psychic has been received on the festival circuit. It was so special to be able to share this adventure with such a brilliant cast and crew. I'm grateful for the support of Screen Ireland and Sky and I look forward to seeing how it’s received when it airs on Sky Arts this Sunday.”
The film, which launched at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2018, also stars Ingrid Craigie (The Delinquent Season, When Harvey Met Bob) and is co-funded by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Sky Arts.
Psychic is produced by Juliette Bonass (A Date for Mad Mary, Glassland, The Last Hotel for Sky Arts) and Brendan Gleeson. David Grennan (What Richard Did, Maze) is director of photography with Tamara Conboy (Once, Sensation) as production designer, Consolata Boyle (Victoria and Abdul, The Queen) as Costume Designer and Isobel Stephenson (Garage, Adam and Paul) as Editor.
‘Psychic’ airs at 9pm on Sky Arts and NOW TV this Sunday 17th March.