Offaly County Council Arts Office (FilmOffaly), in collaboration with Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), in 2020 introduced a pilot series of new Professional Development Workshop the Film and Screen Industries.  

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The pilot workshops that were delivered by the LOETB in 2020 proved extremely successful. We now wish to build on this success and the development of an educational/training programme that would compliment the Irish Screen Industry as well as encourage the professional development of individuals interested in the industry. The development of same will take some time but FilmOffaly, LOETB with the guidance of Screen Skills Ireland do hope same will progress quickly .  Please do continue to return to this page for updates on the progress of this programme or visit our FilmOffaly facebook page. 

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The 2020 Workshops

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The 2020 workshops Working in Film and Writing for Screen Industries online workshops assisted to equip entrants into the Film and TV industries with the key skills and supports necessary to understand the variety of jobs available, expectations of department roles, the essential skills required to work on production, and the skills necessary to develop, work and collaborate successfully on creative projects. For those already in film the workshops endeavoured to provide further insight and training into the industry.

 

Working in Film was a series of six online workshops running on Wednesday evenings.  The course provided practical advice on job roles and opportunities within the film industry, working-on-set etiquette, creative collaboration, managing freelance careers, working regulations and legal issues for the industry, along with specific advice for those seeking funding for their own projects.  

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This programme was delivered by industry experts with a wide array of guest speakers and panelists and was facilitated by Alan Fitzpatrick, an experienced filmmaker, tutor and project consultant. Alan has a wide and varied background in film and media production, having worked as a producer, production manager, post production supervisor and multimedia developer. In addition to working on over 65 film and television productions he has supervised the funding and production of over 100 film projects including many by first-time filmmakers.

 

Writing for Screen

This online workshop series ran across five Wednesdays beginning November 2020. The workshops supported writers of natural talent with unique and original voices by providing them with an insight into writing for Film, Television and Screen media and an overview of the film industry from a writer’s perspective.

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The seminars explored the craft and skills necessary to create compelling, engaging and contemporarily-relevant screen narratives. They delved into the narrative, discussed genre roles, diversity of culture and how, once complete, to submit scripts for funding. The seminars were designed to give clear and practical advice which will help guide writers to develop their own projects with an enhanced understanding of both screen writing technique and current industry practice. 

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This course was facilitated by Helen Flanagan, an experienced mentor and script writer for film and radio. She has written numerous short dramas that have been funded and produced, as well as documentary, factual and children’s television series. Helen has worked in factual and TV documentary and on international series with broadcasters like RTE, TG4, UTV, Smithsonian etc.

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Both programmes were aimed at people who possess the commitment, motivation and genuine desire to work in the screen industries. These courses were provided by the LOETB in collaboration with FilmOffaly, as part of their joint commitment to supporting film in the region. 

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