Advanced Producing Programme Alum Wins Award at Galway Film Fleadh
Posted: 14th July 2022
A huge congratulations to the cast, crew and creative team behind Lakelands, which was awarded Best Irish Film at the 34th Galway Film Fleadh.
Written, directed and produced by Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney of Harp Media, Lakelands was a case study project developed by Higgins for the Advanced Producing Programme, a Level 9 Post Graduate Diploma aimed at emerging producers working in the screen sector. Lakelands was subsequently supported by Screen Ireland and was entered into the Galway Film Fleadh Pitching Competition in 2021, where it won the Best Marketplace Project in association with Bankside Films. The film went on to be acquired by Wildcard Distribution before returning to the Fleadh this year for its world premiere.
The Advanced Producing Programme funded through Springboard+, was led by Neil Murphy from Screen Ireland and John McDonnell from Technological University Dublin with input from others across the skills team in Screen Ireland and the School of Media at Technological University Dublin. Using key industry specialists, the programme is designed to give up-and-coming producers a comprehensive understanding of the script to screen process and all course modules are structured to build the essential skills necessary for market ready producers. Graduates of the programme will gain the skills, confidence and connections to operate in the rapidly growing screen industry.
Speaking on his experience of the course, Robert said:
The Advanced Producing Programme was a complete game changer for me. It provided me with the tools and belief to secure finance and distribution for my debut feature Lakelands, which premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh this year. John, Neil and all of the faculty staff were brilliant and repeatedly went above and beyond throughout the year. There are regular guest tutors who are industry leaders throughout the course and they provide incredible insights that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. A great aspect of the programme is that you also develop a great network with your fellow participants. All of our year’s intake are still in touch and we regularly help one another out on each other’s projects. I would recommend this programme to any producer looking to take the next step in their career – it’s a truly brilliant initiative.
Neil Murphy, Business Skills Development & Funding Schemes Coordinator at Screen Ireland said:
Congratulations to Robert on his well-deserved success. It was a pleasure to work with John and in partnership with TU Dublin to design and develop this flagship programme, and it’s a delight to see both the course and its alumni go from strength to strength.
Dr Caroline O’Sullivan, Head of School of Media at Technological University Dublin said:
We are always delighted to see the success of graduates from the Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Producing. It is a real testament to John and the programme team on the quality of the programme. Every year this is one of the most highly sought-after programmes in the School of Media so we recommend that those interested in applying this year to get their application in early.
Samantha Corr, Producer at Venom Films was also a course participant in the same year and her feature documentary Million Dollar Pigeons made its Irish premiere at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh.
The next iteration of the Advanced Producing Programme will begin in October 2022. To find out more or to apply, please visit: https://springboardcourses.ie/details/10555