Thursday, March 17, 2011

Release Dates for A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR CHRISTMAS and TED; THE APPARITION Moves to 2012

For those who like to plan far in advance, we have some release date news for you.  First up, the comedies A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas has been set to be released in 3D on November 4th while Ted is currently set for July 13, 2012.  Meanwhile, the horror film The Apparition has been moved off September 9th and onto a currently unspecified date in 2012.

Hit the jump for more on all of these movies and which films Harold & Kumar and Ted will be sharing their new dates with.

Here’s the official synopsis for A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas:

The new “Harold & Kumar” comedy picks up six years after the duo’s last adventure. After years of growing apart, Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) have replaced each other with new best friends and are preparing for their respective Christmas celebrations. But when a mysterious package arrives at Kumar’s door, his attempt to deliver it to Harold’s house ends with him inadvertently burning down Harold’s father-in-law’s prize Christmas tree. With his in-laws out of the house for less than a day, Harold decides to cover his tracks rather than come clean, and reluctantly embarks on another ill-advised but hilarious journey with Kumar, taking them through New York City on Christmas Eve in search of the perfect Christmas tree.

The film has an outstanding cast that includes returning characters Paula Garcés, Danneel Harris, Bobby Lee, and Eddie Kaye Thomas as well as new faces Patton Oswalt, Thomas Lennon, Danny Trejo, Amir Blumenfeld, David Burtka, Fred Melamed, and Richard Riehle.  Oh, and there’s also some guy named Neil Patrick Harris who’s in on the shenanigans.

Currently, the other two films opening on November 4th are DreamWorks Animation’s Puss in Boots (which will take away some of the 3D screens) and the comedy Tower Heist starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy.

As for Ted, the film is written and directed by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane and stars Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and Joel McHale.  The story centers on a man (Wahlberg) whose childhood wish to bring his teddy bear, “Ted”, to life comes true.  Unfortunately, the bear is a crass, foul-mouthed stoner who wreaks havoc on the man’s life.  MacFarlane will provide the motion-capture and voice for the bear.
The only competition Ted currently has on July 13, 2012 is Ice Age: Continental Drift.  However, the film is wedged in between two of the year’s biggest releases: The Amazing Spider-Man on July 3rd and The Dark Knight Rises on July 20th.

Finally, Warner Bros. has kicked The Apparition off its September 9th release date to sometime in 2012.  The film stars Ashley Greene (The Twilight Saga) in a “true story” about a college couple who are haunted by a supernatural presence unleashed during a college experiment.

 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Nintendo 3DS to stream 3D movie trailers, have access to AT&T hotspots

Nintendo 3DS to stream 3D movie trailers, have access to AT&T hotspots

If you pick up one of Nintendo's new 3D handhelds, the 3DS, you'll have more than a 3D gaming machine that doesn't require glasses; you'll also have something you can use to stream 3D movie trailers in a Starbucks. The future!

Nintendo is bringing an "eStore" to the 3DS, a place to stream 3D movie and game trailers and check out game screenshots. And hey, that'll be one place to see 3D trailers without having to go see a 3D movie, so that's cool.

As for the hotspots, Nintendo is teaming up with AT&T to allow 3DS users to connect to over 10,000 of AT&T's Wi-Fi hotspots, which are all over the place in locations such as Starbucks. So that's something!

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

3D Glasses? Hasbro Does One Better with Transformers 3D Face Masks


Transformers Cine-Power 3D MasksToy companies aren't immune to the recent wave of custom passive 3D glasses. Hot on the heels of Oakley and Gucci, Hasbro just announced its own line of designer 3D glasses for kids. However, they won't be glasses; they'll be face masks. And they won't have curved, stylish lines; they'll have robots.

The Transformers Cine-Power 3D Masks are RealD-compatible passive 3D glasses built into plastic masks shaped like the faces of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, from the upcoming film Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The masks will work with any RealD movie theater, and are compatible with Vizio Cinema 3D HDTVs and other passive 3D HDTVs. They will retail for $9.99, and will start shipping to stores May 16, six weeks before the film's release.

rob towner: Surprised Kitty. Cutest Kitten In The World EVER!

rob towner: Surprised Kitty. Cutest Kitten In The World EVER!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Breaking Film News: Mr Men set for big screen

Breaking Film News: Mr Men set for big screen: "It's raining Men ... Roger Hargreaves's Mr Men characters have already been a hit with readers in 28 countries worldwide. Mr Men: The Mo..."

.Justin Bieber Hits Cover of Hollywood Reporter (and Debuts New Haircut)

On the eve of his "3D Never Say Never," the megastar appears alongside mentors Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Usher THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, out on Thursday.

Issue 06 Cover

Justin Bieber not only has a new 3D movie out (Never Say Never, opening Feb. 11), he has a new haircut!

Arriving at THR’s photo shoot on Monday, photographed by Jeff Lipsky, the 16-year-old teen phenom (who premieres Never Say Never Tuesday in Los Angeles) sported a fresh trim on his famous locks (styled by Vanessa Price) that he had received just two days before, as he prepared to be photographed alongside Usher, whom Bieber describes as “like a brother,” and Antonio “L.A.” Reid, chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group, the company that signed him in October 2008 (when no one else would). “We’re like a family coming together,” says Usher. “That’s what makes a great career.” 
 
The piece explores the roots of Bieber Fever, and his team’s near-perfect synergy of social networking prowess, pop instinct, undeniable talent and old fashioned grassroots campaigning. Bieber has sold more than 10 millions albums worldwide, has two Grammy nominations, including the much-coveted Best New Artist award, is a merchandising phenomenon and now likely is a movie star as well.
 
 

Monday, February 7, 2011

Competition to star in 3D movie – Project Borneo 3D

The search is on for 10 people to star in a new 3D movie and at the same time help save the planet!

Virgo Productions an award-winning, boutique screen industries company has just launched their competition that is open to people aged between 18-35 years old. They are searching the globe to find 10 project managers who will be the eyes, voice and ears of the project.

Project Borneo 3D is a project led by Microsoft and TakingITGlobal, the largest not-for-profit social network in the world. The project is also working with Dr. Willie Smitts and Orangutan Outreach.
Millions of young people will join forces to tackle the biggest challenge facing our planet – stopping deforestation. The ten chosen applicants will travel to Borneo and live in a Dayak long house for five months and take action to save the forest and the orangutans. They will connect online with millions of young people across the globe. And they will be the subjects of a 3D movie.

The movie is being developed by Virgo Products who specialise in feature documentaries that tell inspiring, positive, global stories with cross-platform delivery to engage audiences world-wide through cinema, television, online, mobile and DVD release.

Burning Season is one of their famous films : an eco-thriller – about a young Australian entrepreneur, who believes there’s money to be made from protecting rainforests in Indonesia, saving the orangutan from extinction and making a real impact on climate change.

Interested? To apply submit a 90 second clip with the following information:

• Your name and where you are from
• What deforestation means to you?
• Why you want to save forests and orangutans
• What you’ve done in the past to protect the environment
• Why you want to be in a 3D movie
• Must include the URL – http://www.deforestaction.com/

Your clip needs to be creative, interesting and dynamic. The most voted clip will earn a place in the top 20. The more hits, interest, votes and media coverage you create around your clip, the stronger your chance to be selected!!

Who are Virgo Productions looking for?

• Young people aged between 18 and 35
• Able to speak English
• A passion for saving forests and endangered wildlife
• Some past experience in protecting the environment or helping animals
• A spirit of adventure

TakingITGlobal: http://www.deforestaction.com/

To submit your recruitment clip

Upload to YouTube with title (YOUR NAME, Action Agent).

Then go to the DeforestACTION website and you’ll need to login or register.

You can also sign up to TIG using your Facebook/Windows Live/MySpace IDs!!

Once logged in, you can submit your video by clicking the ‘submit to contest’ link on the right had side of the page. Then click on ‘import from YouTube’ in the Global Gallery section and follow the instructions.

Entries close 5pm, 18th of March 2011.

Check out one of Virgo Productions press releases for more details.

http://www.virgoproductions.com.au/recruitment-call-for-project-borneo

Good luck!

TRON and TRON:Legacy 3D Coming to Blu-ray, Pre-Order Now

Walt Disney took it on the chin with the first TRON when it was released back in 1982 and some eyebrows were certainly raised when they announced their decision to release the sequel TRON: Legacy in 2010. The 3D spectacle was the most heavily marketed film of the year; and certainly one of the most anticipated. The film earned mixed reviews from critics, and did not exactly light it up at the domestic box office as Disney certainly hoped it would. If not for the worldwide box office numbers, TRON: Legacy would have been a disaster for the folks at the magic kingdom.

Sold as the second coming of Avatar (from a visual perspective in 3D), the film did not exactly lower jaws; that was left to the breathtaking and feisty Olivia Wilde who made male viewers feel less guilty for spending $15 per ticket. The grid was certainly electrifying in the modern film; with the fantastic score from Daft Punk keeping things pulsating.

3D TV needs a shot in the arm right now, and Disney (as well as most of the major manufacturers of 3D TVs) certainly hopes that films like TRON: Legacy will inspire fence sitters to get off their duffs and take the 3D plunge in 2011. It is certainly encouraging to see that the studio is being aggressive when it comes to the marketing of its 3D movies for the home audience, offering many titles day and date on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Disc.

Disney has a slew of quality titles coming out in 3D in 2011, and TRON and TRON:Legacy 3D are part of the first batch which includes the utterly charming Tangled. Multiple versions of the box set are now available for pre-order on Amazon, including a really great collector's set which includes an illuminated identity disc as the box to hold all five discs (this set includes both the original film and the sequel in multiple media formats). Sadly, Olivia Wilde is not included in the package.



For those of us who remember cutting school in 1982/1983 to sneak into the local arcade and drop bags of quarters into the original TRON machine, the inclusion of the Blu-ray remaster of the original film is bound to bring back some memories. It was the movie that made all those hours on the Atari 1040ST and Commodore 64 seem worthwhile; when fighting for the users against the Master Control Program meant something to our budding yet immature minds.

The street date for all of the releases is April 5th - which also includes standalone versions of the original film and the sequel on Blu-ray; with prices ranging from $27.99 to $79.99 for the uber cool illuminated identity disc set.

The additional features include behind-the-scenes footage, commentaries from the film's stars (we'll be skipping to Olivia Wilde and then watching her part all over again), documentaries about the creation of the "grid", and a first look at Disney's exciting new animated series, TRON: Uprising.



 

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

James Cameron talks about new Theatrical Technical Developments for AVATAR 2

Director James Cameron is currently making the press rounds for his newly produced film Sanctum. But who wants to talk to the director about that when people can talk to him about several other more interesting movies he's working on like Avatar 2. Cameron revealed that he's looking to way to improving 3D projection quality, and it all starts with improving the movie theater standards.
Here's what the director told the Wall St. Journal,
For ‘Avatar 2,’ what I’m most interested in is getting theaters to up their light level… And we want to shoot the movie at 48 or maybe even 60 frames a second, and display it at that speed, which will eliminate a lot of the motion artifacts that I think are causing some people problems… People talk about feeling sick or something like that, and I think it’s because the image is strobing. That’s a function of the 24 frame frame rate, which has actually got nothing to do with 3D. It’s just made more apparent because the 3D is otherwise such an enhanced, realistic image, that all of a sudden you’re aware of this funky strobing which you weren’t aware of.
I was actually just talking to a friend about movies being shown in theaters at 60 frames per second instead of 24. 60fps is more natural for the eye and brain to take in process, allowing us to see things much more smoothly and fluidly. I honestly think the next step for feature film projection is to abandon 24fps and move it up to 60fps. That's still years away from happening though, if it ever actually happens. If anyone can push the theaters in the direction to make this change though it's James Cameron.
What do you all think?


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Tron skateboard ramp goes 3D

Melbourne interactive design team ENESS built a very cool futuristic skateboard ramp for the Premiere of Tron Legacy in Melbourne, and a few skaters got to live out their boy dreams of participating in the real life skateboard computer game.The ramp’s custom software captures 3d mapping of the skateboard ramp and real-time tracking of the skateboarders. Each rider is equipped with an iPod Touch with apps to measure air time and trigger effects, while infrared lights and cameras are used to track the skaters’ positions.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Custom made TRON Audi R8















Pirates of the Caribbean 5 Gets a Writer

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - the fourth film of the blockbuster franchise - won't hit theaters until May 20th, but there's already serious talk about a fifth Pirates film. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Johnny Depp ('Captain Jack Sparrow') said he'd be willing to consider donning his pirate gear once more for a Pirates 5. "As long as we can put all the puzzle pieces together, I would most definitely consider it," revealed Depp. And now word comes from Variety that Disney's signed up Terry Rossio to work on the script.

What makes the news a little strange is that Rossio has written all four of the Pirates of the Caribbean films with Ted Elliott, however Elliott apparently isn't going to be involved in Pirates of the Caribbean 5. No reason's been given yet for the hiring of Rossio but not Elliott.

The studio hasn't made a deal with a director but On Stranger Tides' director, Rob Marshall (Chicago,
Nine), has reportedly been asked to return.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Kelly Brook and Carlsberg 3D Cinema Experience


Kelly Brook brings 3D to life by surprising a London cinema audience during the adverts

Paramount Wants J.J. Abrams to Film Star Trek 2 in 3D

While J.J. Abrams still hasn’t committed to directing the second ‘Star Trek’ movie, Paramount is still asking him to shoot the movie in 3D, Cinemablend.com is reporting. During an interview with Vulture, the director said a script for the upcoming sequel hasn’t even been finished yet, but he would consider using the visual device if the story-line calls for it.

“I have nothing against 3D in theory,” Abrams also said. He added that he doesn’t run to see movies just because they’re in 3D. However, when the ‘Star Trek’ script is finished and if it says something along the lines of “Somebody pushes a weapon toward the camera in a menacing way,” Abrams said he’ll consider filming the movie in 3D.

But rumors are circulating that if Abrams does decide to return to the popular sci-fi movie series and doesn’t feel that using 3D is necessary, Paramount won’t force him to do so. Critics have become weary of the format lately, especially after Warner Bros. decided to convert last year’s ‘Clash of the Titans’ into 3D during post-production after it was shot in 2D.

Written by: Karen Benardello

Star Trek 2 Shot in 3D
Star Trek 2 Shot in 3D
 

Friday, January 14, 2011

Film Ireland Article: GET INTO FILM

From the Summer issue of Film Ireland, this article investigates the merits of studying film and embarking upon a career in the notoriously difficult industry.

Get Into Film

So you’ve decided your future lies in film. But where to begin? Film Ireland’s Charlene Lydon advises on how to choose the course that’s right for you and talks to some up-and-coming Irish talent about where they went to college and what they learned there…

There are many schools of thought on the pros and cons of studying film. Some of the greatest filmmakers of our time, such as David Fincher, Peter Jackson and Steven Soderbergh never went to film school. Many are of the opinion that you can’t teach art – you either have it or you don’t. Modern technology has become so compact and so cheap that the ‘learn by doing’ philosophy is more feasible than ever before. Anybody can pick up a camera and shoot some footage, anyone can use a simple editing programme on their laptop and anybody can upload a video to YouTube.

In the past, many people went to film school simply because there was no other way to access equipment. With that no longer being the case, what are the benefits of going to film school? If nothing else, an education in film will help you decide where your strengths lie. Without actually trying it, it can be hard to know if you’re actually suited to directing. Or what about producing? Or screenwriting? You get to try out a variety of roles, gaining insight into how a crew fits together, the importance of each crew member’s role and, most importantly, the job that best suits your skills.

And apart from finding out which way you incline, if you’re interested in certain filmmaking skills like editing or cinematography you can absolutely reap benefits from formal training. You might be full of interesting ideas but without the knowledge of your tools, there are no guarantees you’ll ever reach your full potential. Training in a college gives you the chance to get familiar with the industry’s rapidly changing technologies.

A wise lecturer once said that you can learn as much from watching a bad film as you can from watching a good one. Studying film is all about watching films, giving you the skills to learn more every time you go to the cinema. There is an old myth that the study of film will impede your ability to enjoy films. Not true. It improves your ability to enjoy films by adding depth to the experience. The language of film is deeply embedded in all of us whether we know it or not, but an understanding of this language, how it works, and why it exists is fundamental to your filmmaking.

And now, the other benefit of studying film in a structured way. One of the secrets to succeeding in film is getting to know people. Word of mouth is an essential part of getting jobs in film and building a reputation is hugely important. Film courses are a great place to meet the future filmmakers of Ireland and start a New Wave together. Students often find themselves forming production companies together after college or working on each other’s films. It’s always good to have a pool of talented, dependable crewmembers for future projects and college is a very, very handy way to do this.

How to Choose the Right Course for You

There is a vast array of courses on offer in Ireland, both technical and academic. Technical courses are best suited to those interested in working as crew or in directing their own films. The focus is on practical work and while there will usually be some written work, a large part of your mark will be for project work. The academic study of film will suit you if you’re interested in becoming a film lecturer, a cinema programmer or a film critic. These courses focus on the history and theory of cinema. If you enjoy watching and discussing films, but are not so keen on making them, then this is the direction you should take.

Some courses contain elements of both technical and academic studies. These combination courses are quite broad and will allow you find the areas that suit you. If you know you love film but you’re not sure what you want to focus on then this is the option for you.

Film education comes in all shapes and sizes. Most degree courses are available as either full-time or part-time and postgraduate courses are often research-based, meaning you are not required to attend many lectures. If time is of the essence, evening courses are offered in various aspects of film. Many organisations also offer weekend or day-long workshops that are designed to cover just a specific area of filmmaking.

Filmbase is one place to find this kind of film training. The film and video training courses are for new and emerging filmmakers as well as practising film professionals. Course lengths vary from one-day to five-day, weekend courses and evening courses ranging from 6 to 10 weeks. This means they’re open to those in full-time work who want to explore a particular area or to film professionals who want to update their qualifications without having to take too much time off. It’s also an opportunity to find out where your strengths lie before you commit to a degree or a diploma or before embarking on a career in filmmaking. Filmbase is an Apple Authorized Training Centre, and all tutors who teach Filmbase courses are film professionals themselves, which brings an authenticity and practicality to the courses. For a full list of the training available at Filmbase, visit www.filmbase.ie/training.

If you want to try film but are afraid of taking the plunge with college fees, why not check with your local VEC. They offer a range of lower cost certificate and diploma courses around the country that can lead to further education and will, at the very least, provide you with a substantial portfolio of work.

So, whether you on the post-Leaving Cert precipice, you feel like a career change, or you just fancy a new hobby, there is something there for you.

Ballyfermot College Of Further Education
Nicky Phelan – director, Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty (short animation, 2008).

What was the most important thing you learned during your time studying film?
I studied animation in Ballyfermot, where we did a lot of life-drawing and sketching out on location. It taught me the importance of observation – seeing what gives an expression or gesture its meaning, what elements of someone’s physicality tell you about their personality in terms of movement and presentation. All the details that go into making a set feel real and relevant to the world you are trying to create – observation and attention to detail, I suppose, two important lessons.

What was your first project and how did it go?
The first film as such I made in college was a group project, made on paper with pastel illustrations. We were happy with how it turned out, but I haven’t seen it in a long time!

What have you learned that college couldn’t teach you?
Lots of things. Experience is the best place to learn. I think something that comes with time is realising that to make something feel really emotional, it helps to bring your own personal experience to it. It’s sort of intuitive anyway, but it is an important question to ask yourself in terms of relating to your characters and world. You have to look at your story, characters and the world you are creating, and bring your own memories or experiences to them in some way. It all translates to an audience. I also did an amazing course through Screen Training Ireland with Bruce Block on visual storytelling, which was incredibly helpful and is something that I still refer to.

If you could tell students one thing, what would it be?
That while it’s a tough industry to get into, if it’s what you want to do, keep at it. Make films on your computer at home, do whatever, and keep at it. The more you put into the work, the more you’ll get out of it. If it starts to feel too much like hard work, you should probably do something else.

What would you change about film education in Ireland?
It might have changed by now, but in Ballyfermot I think we could have benefitted from a mentoring system – some way in which those working in the industry mentor students. I think having access to people with the technical know-how and experience would help the students improve production values and increase their chances of reaching wider audiences.

Do you think academic film study can inform technical ability?
Yes, to a certain degree, but there’s nothing like experience to inform technical ability.

Dublin City University
Eimear O’Kane – producer, Satellites & Meteorites (feature, 2008), Corduroy (short, 2009).

What was the most important thing you learned during your time studying film?
I think the most useful thing I learned during my time studying was essay writing and the work I put into researching and writing my thesis. Learning to put forward a convincing and well-written argument has served me well in writing applications, synopses, etc.

What do you wish they had never told you?
That there weren’t many jobs out there – I found it to be untrue. You just need to be patient and keep working at it.

What was your first project and how did it go?
My first job was accounts trainee on Lassie. It was terrifying, as I had no experience in accounts and the dogs kept dribbling on my petty cash forms.

What have you learned that college couldn’t teach you?
Just the little things that you learn over time from working on set on a daily basis. It took me a long time to figure out what everyone’s job title really meant and how everyone fit together to form a cohesive and efficient crew.

If you could tell students one thing, what would it be?
There are jobs there if you are committed and willing to work hard. You may need to work for free for a time but if you are good at what you do you will eventually get noticed and start getting offered paid work.

What would you change about film education in Ireland?
I would include more work experience both on set and in production offices.

Do you think academic film study can inform technical ability?
Yes, I think it’s great to have the time to explore why things are done and to discuss what options are available. By watching and analysing films from directors/producers/designers/DOPs, etc., you can understand how a look or style is achieved and learn how to replicate and improve on it.

John Huston Film School, Galway
Will Collins – writer, My Brothers (feature, 2010)

What was the most important thing you learned during your time studying film?
A thick skin. In the Huston the feedback process was always present. It was strange at first, especially for me since I had rarely ever shown my work to anyone. As a working writer, you have to get used to the notes process and the sooner you get used to it, the sooner the feedback will be constructive to your work.

What do you wish they had never told you?
How difficult it is to actually get anything produced. The odds are always stacked against the writer. However, they always told us a good script will always shine through.

What was your first project and how did it go?
For the Masters in Screenwriting we had to write a feature-length screenplay as our thesis. From the first week we had to start working on the ideas and I set about writing this Irish gothic black comedy set around the moving-statue craze in the eighties. It was a mad script with too many characters and I now describe it as a plot monster. While writing this script I knew I wanted to write something really simple and character-driven, something that was from the gut and felt ‘real.’ That was when My Brothers was born.

What have you learned that college couldn’t teach you?
You have to find your own voice. You can know everything about the three-act structure and film analysis but at the end of the day it’s only your voice as a writer that will make a script come alive. You have to go into yourself and find stories there and not try to stick successful film ‘A’ with successful film ‘B’ and hope a story forms. I’m sure they told us this in the Huston but I had to figure it out for myself.

If you could tell students one thing, what would it be?
Write one page every day. Just you, a pen and a piece of paper. Write something completely for yourself. This exercise has saved me on so many occasions. I might be stuck figuring out a plot or writing a scene but every morning I start with the ‘One Page’ idea. I force myself to create something new on that page, it’s usually rubbish but I always walk away feeling better, feeling ‘I made something.’ I don’t feel so bogged down with whatever I’m stuck on. Plus, sometimes these pages become the seeds for future stories.

What would you change about film education in Ireland?
It’s already changed a lot even from when I was in secondary school. Recently, I was giving a talk to a group of transition year students and I was delighted to learn that they were doing a film program where they actually made their own short films. In my day, films were something you wasted your time on at the weekends. I think film education needs to happen in the community as youth projects. I look at Kilkenny where they have a group called The Young Irish Filmmakers. From what I know, this was an after-school group. A number of the kids involved went on to form Cartoon Saloon, who were nominated for an Oscar® this year with the The Secret of Kells. The learning is in the doing.

Do you think academic film study can inform technical ability?
Definitely. At the Huston I was exposed to so many different pockets of film movements that it blew my mind. It was liberating. Through analysis you obtain a clearer understanding of how and why great films are great. Also, learning basic screenwriting tools is vital – like the three-act structure – and will save hopeful writers weeks or months of trying to figure out how to write a script for themselves (which I’ve done in the past). But then, as a writer, you have to let that analytical side go and allow yourself to be creative and instinctive. It’s a bit of a balancing act – it isn’t easy.

National Film School, Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Narayan Van Maele – director/DOP, Aunt (short film, 2009).

What was the most important thing you learned during your time studying film?
As I was pretty new to the film world I found it great to be given the time to find out what you’re most interested in and where your strengths lie. During the first two years you’d do sound on one project, and then produce, direct, edit or do camera on others. Maybe the most important thing for me was being able to shoot on 16 mm. Being in film school allows you to experiment, make mistakes and to develop your own style without the pressure that you have in the ‘real world’, as lecturers used to call working in the industry.

What was your last project and how did it go?
With my film Aunt, I wanted to limit myself to the power of images and rely as little as possible on dialogue to convey the story. Aunt is set in the 1970s in the West of Ireland. It is about a family that hides the fact that their youngest daughter had a baby out of wedlock by giving the baby to the older sister who is already married and has a child.

My producer David Lester Mooney and I are both pleased with the film and are developing a follow-up project together.

What have you learned that college couldn’t teach you?
There’s a lot that film school can’t teach you. College is a playground where you meet people who have the same interests as you do. It’s up to you how much you put into it and how many working relationships you build up.

If you could tell students one thing what would it be?
If you haven’t already, take up photography. It’s surprising how few film students take photographs. For me film and photography are very similar. Not only do you get a feel for composition and the technicalities of exposing a proper image, but it also makes you a better storyteller.

What would you change about film education in Ireland.
I’d introduce intense workshops with industry professionals, not just with directors but also lighting/camera, sound and editing workshops. I’d also give the students more opportunities to work with a wider range of equipment that is used in the industry, such as 35 mm cameras, bigger lighting units, etc. Most importantly, I’d get all the different departments (set design, make-up, animation, etc.) to work together on projects. The importance of set design is something that we had to realise ourselves.

Do you think academic film study can inform technical ability?
People work in different ways. I’ve always been more comfortable with the practical approach. Reading books on photography and technical books on cinematography certainly helped me a lot, but ultimately I am the kind of person who learns by doing and trying things. Sometimes you fail, but what’s most important is the ‘doing’ bit.

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)
Denise Fogarty – second assistant director, Agoraphobia (short, 2008).

What was the most important thing you learned during your time studying film?
I think the most important thing I learned was how important it is to organise and plan ahead, no matter how big or small your production. If you organise everything that you can during pre-production, then your production will run so much smoother.

What do you wish they had never told you?
That you’re only as good as your last job… It haunts me!!!

What was your first project and how did it go?
God, I can’t remember my first college project. I think it was shooting a one-minute linear piece on the theme of freedom. There were four of us in the group and I remember that we had to keep going from location to location as we were shooting linearly and couldn’t edit the footage. I suppose it was a good exercise, though, as it taught us about shooting ratio and not to do the same shot over and over when there was no need.

What have you learned that college couldn’t teach you?
I don’t think it is really a case of what college couldn’t teach me but you definitely can’t beat real experience – meeting new colleagues and seeing firsthand the different ways people work and how everyone’s roles combine in a successful production.

If you could tell students one thing, what would it be?
To get as much work experience as you can while you are at college and to make use of the equipment and facilities. Make projects on the side that you can add to your showreel.

What would you change about film education in Ireland?
I think I would have courses with more practical, hands-on elements. During the 4th year of the course I did in DkIT there was a six-week work experience placement. I found it extremely beneficial, so I would definitely suggest more work placements. They’re a great opportunity for students to get an insight into the industry and also to make themselves known to possible future employers.

Do you think academic film study can inform technical ability?
Yes, I think that academic study gives you the basis that you need to understand the technical side of film. During the BA in video and film course in DkIT we had a mixed learning experience with academic and practical study and this actually gave me a better understanding when I began working in a technical area.

Dublin Institute of Technology
Matthew Kirrane – camera assistant, ‘The Clinic’ (TV series, 2009), DOP, Arriving at Departures
(short, 2010).

What was the most important thing you learned during your time studying film?
To be always willing to learn and to always keep your mind open to new ways of thinking and doing things. Even after picking up the paperwork that proved I could do that, it’s a way of thinking that’s as important to me today as it was then.

What was your first project and how did it go?
The first professional project I worked on was a satirical four-part series called ‘The State of Us’ shot for RTÉ back in April 2007. I joined the crew as camera trainee and was delighted because I had always focused my attention on shooting the college productions. I spent my time during this project learning how to fulfil my position in a way that could help those around me as opposed to getting in the way and being a hindrance. I also made sure I didn’t drop the camera.

What have you learned that college couldn’t teach you?
How to make a great coffee.

If you could tell students one thing, what would it be?
All that stands between the student and the top of the ladder is the ladder.

What would you change about film education in Ireland?
I think film courses need to forge stronger relationships with working professional productions and crew members throughout the country. It would help if there were direct points of contact with the industry as well as a competent level of work experience in various professional environments. With the emergence of so many easily accessible formats for displaying work and the development of affordably priced ‘high-end’ technology, I think there is a real opportunity to develop these links.

Do you think academic film study can inform technical ability?
Definitely. I always feel there are two streams of thought processes that steer decision-making in filmmaking. First off, you need to have a high level of technical ability. Since graduating, my education in the technical aspects of camera and lighting continues on a daily basis. However, what turns this knowledge into a powerful story-making tool is your academic background in film studies. It’s as vital to your thinking as the technical knowledge and helps steer the production of a story down new avenues.

University Of Ulster
Jolene Mairs – craft service: second unit, A Shine of Rainbows (feature, 2009), studying for a PhD by practice.

What was the most important thing you learned during your time studying film?
There are no rules about filmmaking, only what works for your story.

What was your first project and how did it go?
My first project was a five-minute documentary about a toilet attendant in my town centre. I was terrified at the prospect of completing a project on my own, but it went better than expected and I managed to produce a decent little film that wasn’t too bad for a first effort.

What have you learned that college couldn’t teach you?
I’m technically still in college! I’m now working on a PhD by Practice so I have not yet had the opportunity to learn outside of a college environment.

If you could tell students one thing, what would it be?
The best way to learn about filmmaking is to make a film.

Do you think academic film study can inform technical ability?
Definitely. Studying and thinking critically about films is a great way to get to know what kind of films you want to make.

Click here for the complete guide to Film Courses with links directly to the the college websites and the courses provided.