Gréasán na Meán Skillnet represents a growing core of the various media industries predominantly based in the west of Ireland and has identified media training needs that can be best addressed through an innovative and collaborative approach to training. One of which is the training initiative Scéal.
The course provides an opportunity for six novice directors to develop new pieces of work under the tutelage of experts in drama direction during a series of workshops. On completion of the workshop each director will have the chance to film his/her short films throughout May and June 2013 for broadcast on TG4 later in the year.
From more than 70 applications submitted to the Scéal initiative, six were chosen for development. Through mentoring under multi-award winning directors Declan Recks (Eden, Pure Mule ), Paddy Breathnach (Man about Dog, Shrooms ) and Dearbhla Walsh (Little Dorrit, Shameless ), these emerging directors will discuss their individual scripts and filming concepts with their mentors and will then have the opportunity to film two scenes from their short film. Working with a full crew, the directors will get a feel for working on a live set. This fantastic experience will result in the development of their skills and eventually the production of six high quality, well crafted, short films.
Inspired by the rich Irish tradition of storytelling, each film in the series adapts to screen a visual and compelling script while celebrating emerging Irish talent. Sínte, written and directed by Tom Sullivan, Lá Bhreá Chuige, written by Deborah Grimes and directed by Louise Ní Fhiannachta, Ar Fán written by Bridget Bhreathnach and directed by Ruán Magan, Grá mo Chroí written and directed by Cathal ó Cuaig, Díoltas written by Marion Ní Loingsigh and directed by Séamus Moran, and An Chúirt written and directed by Seán T O’Meallaigh.
