Talented filmmakers keep their focus during isolation Motorist urged to ‘belt up’ in future
WHEN the lockdown was implemented at the end of March, young filmmakers felt a huge sense of disappointment.
Their base, St Michael’s Theatre in New Ross, had to close and it looked like the County Wexford Youth Film Project (CWYFP) would have to postpone all filmmaking workshops until the end of the year.
Co-ordinator of CWYFP Therese Dalton wondered if would be possible to continue delivering the workshops online and keep everyone connected.
‘ To be honest I wasn’t sure how it would work. There was a huge sense of disappointment amongst the teenagers as they were forced to remain in isolation. We usually work as a team to create our films,’ she said.
‘ Technically, I wasn’t sure if it was possible. I sought advice from a friend in San Francisco who teaches film online at a university in California. After speaking with her, I thought it was worth a try. I asked our teenagers what they thought and they were happy to experiment with the idea.’
Therese devised a workshop suitable for online delivery using the Zoom web conferencing application which allows users to share files and deliver power-point presentations.
During the ‘Filmmaking Using Mobile Devices’ workshop, teenagers learned to create a film using their mobile phones using free editing tools available online.
Each workshop lasted one hour, and were run twice a week from the beginning of April through to Saturday, May 23. Each participant made their own short film from beginning to end.
‘ The result was amazing. The quality of their films was stunning,’ said Therese.
While this is a new way of filmmaking for the group, the participants developed their skills and can now make independent films all by themselves. The success of this online venture spurred Therese on to ask other experienced filmmakers and animators to deliver free workshops to Wexford teenagers throughout the summer.
‘We look forward to filmmakers such as Michael Fortune and Paper Panther animators coming on board to deliver these workshops. All workshops are free to teenagers across County Wexford and are funded by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council.’
Those interested in participating in upcoming workshops can contact Therese at wexfordyouthfilm@ gmail.com.
No previous experience is needed. Experienced filmmakers and animators will guide the participants through each stage of the filmmaking process.
A MOTORIST who developed the habit of not wearing his safety belt when he was too heavy for the belt to fit appeared at the District Court on Tuesday, May 19.
Anton Bosch (56), 18 Dunbrody Wharf, Craywell Road, New Ross admitted having no belt on as alleged by Garda Barry Brennan on September 26 last.
The court was told by solicitor Lana Doherty that the car in question belonged to a friend.
She also revealed that her client had lost ten stone in weight over the past 12 months.
At one stage he was so large that he could not use a belt at all, she said.
However, this was not the case on the day that Bosch encountered Garda Brennan.
Ms Doherty stated that the accused was struggling financially.
Judge Brian O’Shea responded by striking out the summons, expressing the hope that having to come to court would be sufficient reminder to belt up in future.
However there was no escaping a conviction for having no valid motor tax displayed fine €50.