RTÉ, with the support of Screen Skills Ireland, has begun training four emerging film makers for multi camera direction with award winning director Clive Arnold.
A professional working knowledge of directing actors for performance and a high appreciation and knowledge of soaps and serial drama, our successful candidates will undergo a 12-day classroom, studio, location, and editing training programme followed by a 5-week shadow directing period followed by a 5-week mentored directing period in preparation to become a regular director on RTÉ’s 200 episode a year soap.
“This year’s field was the strongest yet,” said Executive Producer Brigie de Courcy. “The successful candidates bring exceptional gifts from theatre, film, and television. I hope this course is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with Fair City, RTE and the world of television drama.”
Successful applicants Audrey O’Reilly, Suri Grennell, Mark JD Smyth, and Mark Noonan will be trained to direct a multi camera studio to prepare them to direct episodes on RTÉ’s Fair City. This initiative is part funded by the TV Drama Stimulus Fund.
With previous professional experience directing performance in theatre, video, TV or film applicants were required to have a creative imagination and a rigorous work ethic.
Gareth Lee, Screen Skills Ireland manager added: “We’re delighted to partner with RTÉ to respond to a key skills gap by developing the skills of a new talent pool of multi-camera directors. The hands-on methodology of this course, which includes a mentored directing period, will ensure that the participants complete the programme equipped with the necessary skills to direct on a multi-camera drama production like Fair City.”
