Premiere Screenings from Ireland's Next Generation of Filmmakers & Animators
Posted: 8th November 2022
On Friday 4th November the young filmmakers and animators from the National Youth Film & Animation School (NYFAS) screened their work to a packed house of young creatives, industry professionals and third level colleges. There was also a portfolio workshop as well as career guidance from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland (Screen Ireland) and Animation Ireland on the day. This stellar project is funded by Screen Ireland as a part of the Screen Stakeholders funding scheme and is aligned with the agency’s aims to develop next generation talent and encourage young people to consider a career in the screen sector.
NYFAS is a unique opportunity for young people (16-19 yrs) planning a career or college placement in Film, Television and Animation. Each year the National Youth Film & Animation School is host to 50 young filmmakers and animators at their 10-day residential camp in Kilkenny. Described as ‘the Gaeltacht for creative people’ this residential camp is a once in a lifetime experience for any young person aged 16-19 years, interested in filmmaking or animation.
The residential camp accommodates young filmmakers from all over Ireland and abroad immersing them in the world of film making with practical training workshops, intensive shooting days and long hours in the edit suite. Script to screen training and mentorship through every step of the creative process; facilitating the students to actively learn the skills and job roles involved in pre-production, shooting a film and the final edit. This unique programme gives students the experience and tools they need to present their work in a portfolio format for college applications or entry into the industry.
Young animators are given 10 days of mentorship and training and will have the opportunity to work with and learn from professional animators about the traditional methods involved in the animation process. This year we are also introducing computer animation skills with the latest in industry level software. These computer workshops will prepare any young person for the real world of animation as they learn how the animation pipeline works from beginning to end. And with Kilkenny being the hometown of four-time Oscar nominated Cartoon Saloon, you never know who might pop in to share their experience, wisdom and expertise.
Over the years, the National Youth Film School has attracted young people from all over Ireland, Europe and even the USA for this 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.
The film school has the backing of Screen Ireland and is run in partnership with the National Film School at IADT. Industry backing comes from Screen Ireland, Cartoon Saloon and Industry professionals. All of this support puts it streets ahead as the premiere film training programme for young people in Ireland.
The National Youth Film School has limited capacity and fills up very quickly each year, so log on to www.yifm.com/filmschool for more information.
Young filmmakers and animators interested in a career in the screen sector can also find more information on the many roles and opportunities by visiting careersinscreen.ie