Pat Shortt & Hollywood talent set for KCFE
WITH colleges and universities closed across the world, there is a silver lining for media students at Kerry College of Further Education & Training (KCFE) who are using Zoom video technology to take part in online video classes with some of Hollywood’s biggest names in both film and TV production.
The whole thing has been organised by critically acclaimed and worldwide award-winning Knockanure man Gerard Barrett, the writer/director/producer whose credits include Pilgrim Hill, Glassland, the television series Smalltown and the Netflix film Brain on Fire.
Gerard offered to arrange and moderate the online classes for the students, who are under quarantine and studying from home.
One of those who has come on board with Gerard is renowned Irish actor and comedian Pat Shortt, who is taking part in the classes from his office in Limerick city, giving advice on all aspects of production to the students.
Other participants include Jeffrey Stott, the producer of Seinfeld, When Harry Met Sally, Drive and Whiplash.
“I felt that by knowing these people, that they could offer something to the students of Kerry College that was entirely unique to anyone here in Ireland,” said Gerard, under quarantine and working from his office in Dublin.
“Even globally. I’ve worked with these people, and when I asked them to participate, they were delighted to. Even though they are in Dublin, London and Los Angeles, they are under quarantine too, so this is something to keep them busy and active as well. The technology makes it easy and very personal. These are great people willing to give up their time to help the next generation.”
Barrett says the Kerry College Media Production facilities at their Monavalley Campus are world class, and it has the ability to produce world-class content makers of film and television.
“The set up Kerry College have is as good as any production facility I have worked in around the world, not to mind as an education facility. I just hope these sessions with these top professionals can inspire the students to go on and do great things, to follow their dreams and achieve their individual goals”.
The classes will continue for a number of weeks online and are exclusive to Kerry College.