When Digital Biscuit came to Dublin in January one of the initiatives launched was a new programme for the National Youth Film School. Since 2002 Young Irish Film Makers have run the National Youth Film School, and last year they teamed up with the Irish Film Board and The National Film School at IADT in Dun Laoghaire to run this high talent programme for future filmmakers.
As part of NYFS they are offering programmes that will offer a unique opportunity for any young person (16-19yrs) planning a career in Film or Television. During the Summer there will be two week-long courses where students attend practical workshops and get the chance to work on a professionally run crew to produce a short film. The final films will premiere in front of an industry audience in the autumn in order to showcase the young talent. In addition young students may be given the opportunity to attend master classes from industry experts at the workshops in IADT.
The Easter and Summer programme is specifically designed for young people who have some film-making experience and are pursuing a career in filmmaking or television. The programme will be jam packed with interactive workshops in all aspects of filmmaking – from writing to lighting, production to editing – all with professional experts in the field. This coupled with the experience of working with a professional film crew is an opportunity not to be missed.
Over the years, the National Youth Film School has attracted young people from all over Ireland, Europe, and the USA to visit Kilkenny for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work at a professional level on a broadcast quality film production. Many young people have used their work with YIFM as a portfolio piece and gone on to attend film schools such as The National Film School at IADT in Dun Laoghaire.
Young Irish Film Makers have been producing films with young people all over Ireland since 1991 and boasts past members such as 2014 Oscar nominated Tomm Moore (Writer/Director of Song of the Sea), Luke Harris (3D animator on Avatar) and John Morton (Creative Director of Devious Theatre Company).
Industry backing for NYFS comes from Canon Ireland, Screen Training Ireland, the Screen Directors Guild, Screen Producers Ireland and Filmbase. Screenwriters in 2014 included Will Collins (Song of the Sea) and Ailbhe Keogan (Run & Jump). All of this support for NYFS, puts it streets ahead as the premiere film training programme for young people in Ireland.
The National Youth Film School has limited capacity, so applicants should log on to www.yifm.com and book their spot as soon as possible.
