Film Limerick established to promote Limerick as a hub for Film and Television production
Last month the Limerick City of Culture in partnership with Behind the Scenes, announced the appointment of Ronan Cassidy to the role of Project Manager-Film Limerick.
This new position has been established to promote and encourage Limerick to realise its potential as a film producing hub. It also aims to develop a number of projects that form part of the legacy for Limerick in 2014 during its year as National City of Culture. Behind the Scenes now replaces the Film Pillar of Limerick City of Culture.
At the heart of the Film Limerick Project is a unique and exciting scheme to produce two short films using Limerick as a location. With a budget of €15,000 each the selected projects will be filmed later this year. This will facilitate the long term goal of encouraging both established and emerging film makers to come to Limerick.
Ronan Cassidy commented on his new role, stating: "I am deeply honoured to have been given the opportunity to take up the post of Project Manager -Film Limerick. Having been involved in various roles in the world of the arts, film and television production, I'm thrilled with this opportunity. I'm looking forward to working with the staff of the City of Culture and Behind the Scenes. I'm confident, in taking up this position that I will be able to contribute to the promotion of Limerick City, as a film making location and the development of the film industry locally."
In collaboration with Behind the Scenes, Ronan will now be responsible for:
- Encouraging local and national filmmakers to tell their stories through the film scheme.
- Developing an educational and training programme for emerging film makers.
- Promoting film culture throughout Limerick.
- Supporting local film festivals and promoting local films in international competition.
- Positioning Limerick as a location for international audio-visual productions byoffering advice: on great locations, creative resources, as well as technical assistance and financial incentives.
Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board (IFB) is delighted to add Film Limerick to the already established Network of Regional Film Offices. "The IFB welcomes the establishment of Film Limerick and also the appointment of Ronan as Project Manager. Local knowledge and on the ground support is very important when trying to attract indigenous and international filmmakers to a region. It is very encouraging to see that Limerick City of Culture and Behind the Scenes recognise the importance of supporting both local and incoming filmmaking talent. We look forward to working with Ronan to promote Limerick as a potential location for film and television through the IFB's Network of Regional Film Offices". said Naoise Barry, Film Commissioner.
For more information about Film Limerick visit www.behindthescenes.ie or contact Ronan Cassidy at filmlimerick@behindthescenes.ie