The GCC film and documentary graduate screening took place this week in the Eye Cinema. The students were in for a surprise when their tutor Colleen Quinn-Hendrick organised Oscar-nominated Lenny Abrahamson to launch the event with a personal message for these hard-working film makers.
Galway Community College of Further Education, based in our UNESCO City of Film, offers two courses for budding film makers and avid film fans.
The Level 5 film and documentary course and the Level 6 TV presenting and film production course have been run for more than 15 years under the expert guidance of their passionate film teacher Colleen Quinn-Hendrick. With a wealth of industry experience, industry connections and extensive film knowledge, Colleen leads students on her QQI accredited courses in a positive, project-focused year. These learners thrive both independently and collaboratively under her tutelage in this friendly PLC centre.
Level 5 documentary and film is a dynamic course in which students actively learn skills in film production, script writing, television and film editing, voice production for broadcasting, media analysis and event production. Working with industry-standard film and audio recording equipment and editing suites, learners receive in-depth training on site and progress onto individual and group projects during which they hone their new skillsets, hands-on. Teachers also work closely alongside every student to conceive, develop and produce their individual documentary film during their year of study.
The Level 6 mobile journalism and film production course introduces students to all aspects of film and television both behind and in front of the camera. Modules include film and digital video production, editing practice and techniques, TV and film production design, documentary production, research and reporting for digital media, and broadcasting presentation skills. All students develop and present documentary and film pitches as part of their assessment; the chosen projects are produced by the entire class and receive a red-carpet premiere in Galway’s Eye Cinema every May to celebrate their hard work and creativity. Colleen’s industry connections and devoted alumni regularly mentor and support students with their passion projects which have featured in the Galway Film Fleadh down through the years; one of which won Best Documentary Film in 2014.
The GCC campus, uniquely, boasts cross-curricular collaboration between the film, theatre and music departments. All these students work closely to create films and music videos as part of their innovative assessment. Student creativity flourishes on these highly creative projects.
Additionally, Galway Community College of Further Education students, both fresh from the Leaving Cert and mature students, have the opportunity to achieve up to 390 CAO points in their QQI course, thereby gaining access to higher education.
Previous GCC film graduates have progressed onto the film and documentary course in neighbouring ATU, and onto the BA in film and digital media and the BA in film studies in the Huston School of Film and Digital Media in University of Galway. Other graduates have ventured further afield to film schools in Dublin, Cork and the UK. Many have acquired proficient skills in GCCFE to start their own film companies and submit to film festivals across the globe, while others have advanced onto production, direction or camera work for Ros na Rún, TG4 and Game of Thrones, to name a few.
Colleen’s collegiate atmosphere also spawned Galway’s ‘Little Cinema’ — a regular event founded and hosted by her former students that platforms new and emerging film talent in the city. GCCFE film alumni are regular visitors to Colleen’s classroom and add to her highly-engaged learning environment every year.
Galway Community College also boasts an incredible, fully-funded Erasmus+ programme which gives learners the opportunity to link with partner colleges in Europe to conduct their work experience and develop their cultural and vocational experience. This year alone, 65 PLC students went on five trips to Portugal, Spain and Norway, with more trips being organised for the coming academic year.
The film courses in GCCFE are the place to go for practical film experience where you can hone your skills and find your voice in a fun and positive atmosphere.
For full details on all the courses, fees, facilities and supports available to students, visit www.galwaycc.ie, and for more information about the film courses contact Colleen Quinn-Hendrick directly on [email protected].
