Filmmakers call action on new productions

Filming is underway for three new productions from Belfast-based youth charity Cinemagic Film Festival.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th May 2021, 15:19 BST
Updated 12th May 2021, 15:19 BST
Pictured with Economy Minister Diane Dodds, in Belfast, on the set of Cinemagic film ‘The Carer’ are filmmaking trainees (Back row L-R) Tom Greer from Carrickfergus, Jac Grogan from West Belfast, Grace Hynds from Portadown,(Front row L-R) North West Regional College Head of Curriculum and Operations, Dr Catherine O'Mullan, Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings and Belfast Metropolitan College Chief Executive, Louise Warde HunterPictured with Economy Minister Diane Dodds, in Belfast, on the set of Cinemagic film ‘The Carer’ are filmmaking trainees (Back row L-R) Tom Greer from Carrickfergus, Jac Grogan from West Belfast, Grace Hynds from Portadown,(Front row L-R) North West Regional College Head of Curriculum and Operations, Dr Catherine O'Mullan, Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings and Belfast Metropolitan College Chief Executive, Louise Warde Hunter
Pictured with Economy Minister Diane Dodds, in Belfast, on the set of Cinemagic film ‘The Carer’ are filmmaking trainees (Back row L-R) Tom Greer from Carrickfergus, Jac Grogan from West Belfast, Grace Hynds from Portadown,(Front row L-R) North West Regional College Head of Curriculum and Operations, Dr Catherine O'Mullan, Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings and Belfast Metropolitan College Chief Executive, Louise Warde Hunter

The films have been designed to inspire and celebrate the talents of 60 young filmmakers, aged 18-25, from across Northern Ireland, marking the culmination of the Creative and Digital Technologies Academy, delivered this year by Cinemagic in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College and North West Regional College, supported by Department for the Economy.

The ground-breaking Cinemagic initiative brought the creative industries together with the further education sector, to address the impact of Covid-19 on young people, and to showcase how partnerships focused on creative industries skills development and investment in young talent can create a strong pipeline to employment and local economy growth.

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Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE, said: “We are extremely grateful to work with project partners Belfast Metropolitan College and North West Regional College, supported by the Department for the Economy, to help young people develop new skills, explore opportunities and give them the confidence to thrive in a career in the creative industries.

“Over the last few weekends, we have been underway with filming the three productions, with a brilliant crew and it has been fantastic seeing the young people’s ideas come to life. Cinemagic is so proud of the achievements of everyone involved, especially with their commitment to the project during recent challenging times with Covid-19. We look forward to premiering the films at festival events later this year.”

Young Filmmaker Grace Hynds (18), from Portadown, added: “Taking part in this academy has been one of the most insightful experiences I’ve had in years. I’ve been able to learn from a variety of experts in the media industry and had the opportunity to put my new skills to work on set.

“The best part, without a doubt, was getting to meet people just like me - not only are they crew mates, but they are friends and creative individuals that I will be in contact with for many years to come.”

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Another filmmaker, Tom Greer (20), from Carrickfergus, said: “It has been incredible to have the opportunity to listen and learn from many industry professionals through the Cinemagic online masterclasses.

“I am incredibly grateful to be involved in an environment where I can meet and work with like-minded young filmmakers like myself and gaining practical experience on a short film production is truly an amazing opportunity to kickstart our careers in the film industry.”

Related topics:CinemagicBelfast