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Passport to Production | Donegal

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Course Name: Passport to Production

Date the course commences:  23rd January to 27th January

Duration: 9am – 6pm

Cost: free

Venue: Hybrid, in-person element will be held in The Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny, Donegal

Tutor(s):  Louise Richardson

Course Profile: This programme run by the National Talent Academies: Film & TV Crew Academy West is a Screen Ireland flagship programme which is now validated by the Technological University Dublin as a level 6 QQI 10 ECTS credit programme.

Passport to Production aims to drive wider representation in the creative screen industry and Screen Ireland, through the newly established crew academies, is eager to encourage new entrants from diverse and underrepresented groups to apply.

To work in the film and TV production sector as a new entrant you will need a diverse range of skills to get you set-ready.

This 5-day programme is one of the most beneficial stepping-stones to access the film & TV industry and forms the basis of the new entrant’s journey to working in the industry.

The programme will give a broad overview of all the departments and help equip new entrants with the knowledge and some of the essential skills to work on set.  There will be some practical elements during the programme which will be part of a hybrid approach consisting of group activities, industry panel experts and case studies.  Other important elements of the programme include Health and Safety, set etiquette, script breakdown,  self-management, and soft skills in the industry.  Industry feedback internationally and nationally continually highlights the need for future skills such as problem-solving, adaptive thinking, creative collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

The essential learning from the programme will be put into practice on the 3 week paid structured work placement. 

The programme will be facilitated and delivered by industry experts and design thinkers which include tutors, guest speakers and panellists.

Each learner will need to attend each day of the 5-day programme and the 3-week paid structured work placement.

Units of Learning

Future Proofing on the Job

  • Emotional Intelligence, building self–awareness, motivation, empathy, social skills, feeling confident starting out.
  • Teamwork and collaboration – Understanding how to cultivate a great team environment, how teams interact, collaboration is key, active listening and giving feedback effectively.
  • Managing in a stressful yet fun environment
  • Thinking outside the box
  • Thinking on your feet
  • Taking a user-centred approach and brainstorming.

The 360 of Set Etiquette

  • Who’s who?
  • How Departments interact
  • Radio Etiquette – the Standard Approach
  • Sensitivity around cast and crew
  • Production terminology and Jargon
  • Essential Production Paperwork
  • Copyright, product placement and clearances the basics.
  • Script Breakdown the basics with a practical exercise.
  • Overview of Basic Financial accounts for Film and TV Drama
  • Technical on-set jargon – crossing the line, eye lines, camera set up, why setups take so long essential equipment.
  • Shooting on location vs Studio

Health and safety on Set

  • Health and Safety Overview legislation/ risk assessments
  • Film Set Safety Protocol/Health and Safety Culture
  • Your role as a crew member
  • Departmental Hazards in Production a broad overview
  • From construction site to movie set.
  • Bullying and Harassment

Self-Management in the Industry

  • Navigation through the Industry
  • How to manage as a free lancer
  • STAR Technique
  • CV Clinic
  • HR the basics
  • Getting Your First Job
  • Reading Contracts
  • Essential Networking

This course will run over 5 day’s from 9am to 6pm each day.

In-person day will be held at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny

Participant Profile:

This course will be aimed at new entrants who want to work in the live-action film and TV industry.  Please note you must be of working age and NOT in full-time education to be eligible for this course.

To learn more about roles on set please read this competency framework before applying

New Entrants who would like to gain more knowledge of Health and Safety procedures in the workplace can learn more with Screen Ireland’s free online Screen Pass course, link to information HERE.

The course is limited to MAX 15 participants

selection will be based on application and interview

Film & TV Crew West is managed by Atlantic Academy

Application Procedure:

Please apply online at this link by 5pm on 2nd December 2022

For further information, please email Lorraine.higgins@nationaltalentacademies.ie   

Selection on courses/programmes will be based on the quality of the application and industry experience relevant to the course and participant profile.   We do not accept CVs so please make sure you outline all relevant experience in the application form. 

Screen Ireland courses are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

Tutor Profile:

Louise Richardson has worked in the screen industry for 13 years. She started her career as a Production Secretary Production Secretary on the long-running Irish language soap Ros Na Rún in 2009. Louise quickly moved up the ranks to Floor Manager, then Production Coordinator before stepping into the role of PM on the show. Louise comes from a family of storytellers, a number of whom have worked on Ros Na Rún over the years. More recently, Louise has taken up the role of Production Executive with Danú Media and is excited to implement her production knowledge on new projects as well as get the opportunity to be involved more creatively.