News

Solaria, an Irish sci-fi short film, is set to make its North American debut when it screens at the International Sci-fi film festival due to be held in Phoenix, Arizona. The film was shot on-location in Dundalk, Co. Louth as part of a graduate project from students studying Video & Film’ at Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Directed by mature student John Hoey, Solaria centres on Alex Russell, a geneticist on-board the Solaria Research station. Alex has devoted his life to test subject Rachel, a comatose woman who is immune to the ageing process. After been contacted by Earth, he is informed that his research is coming to an end. Battling against the clock and diminishing resources, Alex has one last chance to save Rachel.

Commenting on the news, Director John Hoey said. ‘It’s terrific news that Solaria has been accepted for such a major festival. It’s important that this film continues to reach new audiences and we hope for continued success with Solaria.’ Solaria recently won the Audience award at the Film DeVour film festival in Belfast and has been screened at other major national film festivals.

The International Sci-Fi film festival takes place from the 29th March – April 5th and it enjoys staggering crowds of over 22,000 each year, ensuring that Solaria will receive a large viewership. The festival is dedicated to showing the best horror and sci-fi films from across the globe.

For more information, check out www.solariashortfilm.com

Gerard Hurley’s The Pier, which combines traditional storytelling techniques and experiences gained while travelling to weave a wonderfully heartfelt story goes on selected cinema release this month.

Produced with funding from Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board (IFB), The Pier has secured national distribution and will screen in Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Galway, Sligo and Laois in January and February.

The dates of screening are

Sunday January 29th IFI Dublin
Tuesday February 2nd Classic Listowel, Kerry
Friday February 3rd, 4th, 5th, Skibbereen Town Hall, Co Cork
Friday February 3rd – Feb 9th Eye Cinema, Galway
Saturday February 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th Park Cinema, Clonakilty, Co Cork
Sunday February 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Cinemax Bantry, Co Cork
Sunday February 5th,6th,7th,8th Qand A on 5th Triskel Arts Centre, Cork
Monday February 6th, 7th Macroom Briary Gap, Cork
Tuesday February 7th Phoenix Cinema, Dingle, Kerry
Thursday February 9th Carrick On Shannon Multiplex,
Wednesday February 15th, 18th The Model Sligo

Cork-born Gerard Hurley emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1987 and has been involved in screen writing and film production for the past 20 years. He will participate in a post-screening Q&A in the IFI on Sunday, 29th January.

Read Film Ireland‘s interview with Gerard Hurley

Element Pictures today launched Volta, a new Irish video on demand service featuring the best of Irish and international independent films. Volta was officially launched by Jimmy Deenihan T.D, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The Minister was joined at the event by Andrew Lowe and Ed Guiney of Element Pictures and guests including representatives from the Irish Film Board and the Irish film industry.

Volta is unlike any other video on demand services currently available in Ireland, in that it focuses on Irish films and the best of independent world cinema, with titles to rent from €3.99 and to purchase from €6.99. There are no subscription fees and users can stream or download films in full. Volta is also unique in bringing selected films to the site ‘day-and-date’ with their theatrical release (on the same day that they are available in cinemas). New films on the service are otherwise made available at the same time as the DVD release. It is currently the only Irish VOD platform showing The Guard and other Irish highlights include The Secret of Kells, Garage and As If I’m Not There with more added weekly. Recent Irish films including Sensation and Parked will join the catalogue soon, alongside classic Irish films like The Wind That Shakes the Barley. Volta is working closely with leading Irish and U.K independent producers and distributors to add future content to Volta’s growing offering. Hundreds of top international titles alongside independent features are also available on the site.

Volta also plans to partner with RTÉ to acquire premium RTÉ produced drama that will feature on the service in the future. The addition of Irish produced content of this quality is testament to Volta’s support of the Irish television and film production sector.

Minister Deenihan, who spoke of the significance of the service for Irish consumers and the Irish film industry said ‘This unique new service will bring the best of Irish and international independent films to a much wider audience than was previously possible. As part of the Element Picture group, Volta marks a major shift in the development of online platforms for film consumption in Ireland. Developments such as this will provide the Irish film industry with a distribution channel which has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of homes in Ireland. The impact Volta will have on the film industry is likely to be significant, especially in its efforts to combat film piracy.’

Speaking at the launch, Andrew Lowe said ‘We are delighted to launch Volta, the first Irish owned Video On Demand service in the Irish market. As an active production, distribution, and, since the re-launch of the Light House cinema in Dublin’s Smithfield, an exhibition company, we are uniquely placed to present and promote the best Irish and international independent cinema in a convenient and cost effective way. We are launching Volta now as advances in technology and broadband infrastructure make the service technically viable, changes in the retail sector make it essential to create a space where specialist cinema can be discovered and consumed, and there is an onus on the industry to provide safe and legal alternatives to pirated films. We are very pleased to launch Volta with The Guard available exclusively on our service.’

The site also features editorial content with exclusive articles, interviews and behind the scenes footage from many of the films available. The search and filter features allow users to browse films by director, cast, crew, year, country of origin or keyword, a unique feature unavailable elsewhere. Consumers can browse the full catalogue of before entering any personal or payment information and the Volta CinePass offers significant savings for those who pre-purchase rental credits.

http://elementpictures.ie/news/film/new-irish-video-on-demand-platform-launched-today

There is an immediate opening for the position of SME Development Manager at TV3 Group within the Commercial Department. This newly created role will be a pivotal position within the Commercial Department of TV3 Group reporting to Head of Sales and working closely with the Head of Negotiations, Head of Branded Content, and Commercial Director. The role will be responsible for establishing new strategies and driving new business within the SME Sector within Ireland. TV3, a channel which talks to 1.4 million people every single day alongside 3e and 3player which are Ireland’s most watched digital channel and fastest growing entertainment website respectively are best positioned to help SMEs within Ireland through providing them with unique and cost effective marketing solutions to meet their overall business objectives. Working initially with a small team, the successful individual will need to be able to demonstrate their ability to work as part of a team while effectively managing the team to achieve aggressive targets.

The post-holder will be responsible for establishing new strategies and driving new business within the SME Sector in Ireland:

THE POSITION

* Establish relationships with existing SME advertisers
* Devise strategies to ensure the rapid expansion of the SME unit
* Build relationships with new and emerging categories and businesses
* Be able to think differently and be able to identify opportunities; work with other departments within TV3 Group; including research, sponsorship and promotions to devise marketing solutions for clients
* To achieve and exceed targets set

THE CANDIDATE

* 3 years’ experience within a media sales or ad agency environment, or similar
* A knowledge of the media market in Ireland
* Experience of managing people
* A Self-Starter and Strategic Thinker
* Excellent Communications Skills
* Strong planning and organisation skills
* Excellent presentation skills
* Strong planning and organisation skills
* Target driven

To apply please email a cover letter and CV to julie.eastwood@tv3.ie to arrive no later than 5.00pm on Monday 30 January 2012. An Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply: http://www.tv3.ie/careers.php?position=90
TV3 is an equal opportunities employer.

Senior Media/VT Operator, Central London
Apply for this role

You will ensure the smooth and efficient completion of all jobs in various departments such as; VT and File to Tape. You will ensure the tapes are run correctly and completed within the required timelines using your knowledge of the equipment and procedures unique to each department.

Our client, a large post house based in London is looking for a senior media operator to join their team.
Main Purpose:

You will ensure the smooth and efficient completion of all jobs in various departments such as; VT and File to Tape. You will ensure the tapes are run correctly and completed within the required timelines using your knowledge of the equipment and procedures unique to each department.

Principal Responsibilities:

* Responsible for producing Quality Assurance Reports , dubs, and encodes from any file, HD / SD VT format or standard including using converters such as the HD Alchemist
* Technical problem solving for VT media.
* To liaise directly with some clients regarding any technical aspects / issues that might arise with a job and have the confidence and VT understanding to complete Client Attends.
* Liaise closely with Schedulers, Bookings and Despatch to ensure work is produced in accordance to the deadline.
* Inform engineers if problems occur with any equipment.
* To comply with technical specifications to ensure quality & consistency of all work produced.
* On occasion encoding and distribution of new media assets.
* Communication is key – Any issues that may affect deadlines need to be communicated to schedulers / supervisors and bookings as soon as possible and the ability to react to any potential issues in an effective manner.
* Regular housekeeping of all relevant systems, as dictated by the current procedures
* Ensuring that all operational procedures are followed
* Ensuring accuracy and timeliness of all tasks
* Such other duties as the management may from time to time reasonably require

Experience/Knowledge:

* Excellent knowledge of file and tape formats
* Ability to work well under pressure
* Substantial experience in VT especially with HD transfers
* Substantial experience in Quality Assurance Reports/ Evaluation
* Technical knowledge of broadcast and non-broadcast standards
* Other relevant industry experience
* Ability to perform well within a pressurised environment
* High level of Computer literacy

Hours of Work: 80 Hour Fortnight
Days of work: Shift pattern on Permanent Nights –
Long Week Mon / Tue / Fri / Sat and Sun
Short week Wed / Thur

DEADLINE: 30th Jan 2012

Apply: http://frame-25.co.uk/recruit/index.php/latest-jobs/

Subotica Ltd is looking for a production assistant on the FAS WPP scheme. Participants will gain experience in: General administration, script reading and assessment, web monitoring, researching film funding opportunities and potential projects. We’re looking for someone with experience in film/tv production, good organisational and communication skills, a keen interest in film, good computer skills, good working knowledge of the script development process.

Att: Aoife O’Sullivan
info@subotica.ie

The star of “The Artist” is to retire. No I’m not talking about Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo or even John Goodman but Uggie the dog! The talented Jack Russell who hit to stardom in the film “The Artist” has decided to take a well deserved retirement. Taking on a crazy publicity tour to promote Michel Hazanavicius’s silent, black and white film which has seen him travel the world it’s been decided its high time Uggie put his paws up and relaxed. Excitement is mounting as to wheatear he will be in attendance at the Oscars were he will more than likely say his farewell goodbye to fans. Uggie’s 15-hour days while working on the feature would be tough for anyone and at the age of ten it’s no wonder he wants to cut back, relax and enjoy life.

Pet actor agency “Animal Savvy” told The Gaurdian, “It always has to be fun for them. Uggie’s still enjoying it, but he’s getting up there and he’s slowing down a little.”

However, this won’t be the last we’ll see of our new favorite canine. He loves working so much he’s going to keep up short films and adverts. He has much to be proud of in lines on features he’s worked on. Not only did he star in The Artist he also starred in Water for Elephants alongside the beautiful Reese Witherspoon.
Entertainment definitely runs in the blood because his little brother Dash is currently looking to follow in his big brother’s paw steps and has his eyes firmly fixed on stardom too!

See if Uggie’s film “The Artist” takes home an Oscar. Keep an eye on the Oscars here: http://oscar.go.com/nominees/

A new funding scheme developed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to support the archiving of broadcast material has been approved by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte TD.

The aim of the Broadcast Archiving Scheme is to encourage and support the development of an archiving culture in the Irish broadcasting sector as a whole.

In particular three objectives are outlined: (i) to develop an integrated approach to the archiving of programme material to include the promotion, development and safeguarding of Ireland’s broadcasting heritage (this includes the promotion of archiving of programme material which is of benefit to, and advances the standards of, Irish broadcasting); (ii) to develop suitable storage processes and formats to encourage and assist bodies in the restoration and/or storage of material recorded on failing, or soon to be obsolete formats, and (iii) to provide fast and accurate access to programme materials by interested parties and to raise public awareness in the preservation and use of broadcast archive materials.

The Scheme will be financed through a percentage of the annual Broadcasting Fund derived from the TV licence fee. The BAI expects to issue a call for applications by the end of the second quarter of 2012.

Speaking about the announcement, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD said “This is a very welcome development for both the broadcasting industry and Irish audiences. The Broadcast Archiving Scheme will contribute to the preservation of Ireland’s broadcasting heritage and provide the public with additional access to the very rich history and culture of broadcasting in Ireland. I wish the Scheme every success.”

Bob Collins Chairperson of the BAI said “The BAI welcomes the approval of the Broadcast Archiving Scheme. We are confident that the Scheme will be of benefit to all who share an interest in preserving Irish culture, history and experience. The Scheme was developed through engagement with a wide range of broadcasters and expert groups. We look forward to receiving applications to the first round of the Scheme in the coming months.”

Further information about the Scheme including details on funding rounds and how to apply will be made available by the BAI in the coming months.

http://www.bai.ie/

Kilkenny’s Young Irish Film Makers roll out the red carpet for its young members whose work will be celebrated at this years awards ceremony, ‘The YIFMAs’.

The YIFMAs were set up to celebrate the work done by YIFM at its headquarters in Kilkenny and with its outreach programme which works with Youth Organisations, Community Groups and Schools all over the country.

YIFM started its outreach progamme as a way of reaching out and working with young people all over the country. It is a way for groups around the country to gain access to equipment and training that might not otherwise be available to them.

If you want to get involved and enter the festival simply fill out the application from which you can find on our site www.yifm.com. Send it to us with a jpeg still, a DVD copy of your film and a short synopsis of what your film is about. Deadline for applications is Monday, 6th February.

The festival is brought to you by Young Irish Film Makers who are also celebrating their 20th anniversary of making films with young people this year.

If you would like any more information please contact claire@yifm.com or you can call 056-7764677

Well worth watching. A documentary on the digital revolution and the unlimited opportunities to be creative. The new Final Cut Pro X definitely fits into this category!!!

http://vimeo.com/channels/presspauseplay

We have Final Cut Pro X starting at Filmbase check it out below:
http://filmbase.ie/training/apple_final_cut_pro_x.php

FCPX evening course added due to demand
With more people finding Final Cut Pro X a fast, powerful and cost-effective way of editing their video content, we’ve added an evening FCP101 course to our schedule. If you’re new to video editing and interested in FCPX, check our our Editing Fundamentals workshop on Monday 6th February and, in the meantime, you can download a 30-day trial here: http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/trial/