The acclaimed Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production, based in Waterford’s Gaeltacht na Rinne, is still open for applications.
The award-winning postgraduate course, commencing again on 2 October, is run by leading production company Nemeton TV, accredited by South East Technological University (SETU), and supported by Udarás na Gaeltachta.
Widely regarded as one of the most industry-focused courses in the media sector, it has gained a high profile in the industry with its excellent graduate employment record.
Graduates from the course are coveted as directors, producers, cinematographers and editors, and are enjoying successful careers in top film and television production companies, as well as broadcast stations and streaming platforms at home and abroad.
Run by top industry professionals, the course features an innovative blend of practical workshops and online classes delivered through block release. It is uniquely tailored to the needs of students and those who wish to develop their skills while working and it featured in the Irish Times Spotlight on Postgraduate Options.
Films produced on the course are broadcast on TG4, winning awards at film festivals around Ireland and they feature prominently at the National Student Media Awards every year.
An array of imaginative short dramas and documentaries are available on the TG4 Player series Céad Seans such as Tullamore Director Seán Hughes, who explores what effect Mount Brandon has on the minds and lives of those living in its shadow in his film An Cnoc.
Seán was inspired to make his poetic documentary after living under the magical spell of Cnoc Bhreánnáin in Corca Dhuibhne “In ‘An Cnoc’, I wanted to explore what effect Mount Brandon had on the minds and lives of those living in its shadow,” he says. The film features broadcaster Dara Ó Cinnéide and poet Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin and won Best Irish Language film at the SMEDIAS as well as the FASTNET Film Festival this year.
Seosamh Mac Seoin’s debut drama Uilíoch has travelled to international film festivals in LA and New York and won best short film at the SMEDIAS this year as well as Best Live Action Short Film at the Cinemagic On The Pulse film festival in Belfast. Speaking about his debut drama, Seosamh explains that: “A man reflects on his childhood and the trauma he experienced growing up. As we see glimpses of his younger self, we come to understand the events that shaped his life.”
An Rinn native Lia NicCraith made her debut film on local extreme athlete Tomás de Faoite. Lia’s stunning first film Ultra was featured in First Frame at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival. Tomás de Faoite of Gaeltacht na nDéise, a highly motivated and determined athlete, partakes in the challenging 268 mile ultra marathon in the Pennines.
In his energetic Beothach Beo (Alive and Kicking), Damian McElgunn from Belfast travels back to the 1970s Northern Irish punk scene. Celebrated musicians from Stiff Little Fingers and the Undertones reflect on how music changed their lives during the Troubles. Damian says: “There was an incredible energy at the time. The atmosphere was as important as the music.” Damian won overall Best Documentary at the SMEDIAS this year for his film.
In his powerful documentary Big Griff – Lán Chúlaí, Nathan Griffin celebrates the life of his uncle Martin Griffin considered one of Donegal’s finest footballers. “I was inspired by the stories I heard about my uncle and wanted to explore who he was,” says Nathan. The film featured at the Galway and Kerry Film Festivals and is also available on the TG4 Player.
The Postgraduate Course in Television & Media Production is open for applications until 23 September and commences again on 2 October.
Course director Moira Sweeney is confident in saying that: “The core belief is that our third level course is relevant, dynamic and genuinely prepares students for work in the media industries in Ireland and further afield.” For full details see http://www.nemeton.ie/training| setu.ie
Apply for the course at: www.pac.ie