Photo by Malcolm McGettigan
Introduction
Joyride is a feel-good road trip film produced by Subotica that filmed in Kerry in July 2021. It follows the story of Joy, a headstrong solicitor, whose plan to offload her unwanted baby is derailed when a vulnerable but opinionated teenager steals their taxi.
As a regional Section 481 production, it was required to submit an approved skills development plan. Joyride's skills plan included six trainees and two new entrants that were local to the region as well as an internship program with a local college.
Skills Needs Identified
With principal photography taking place in County Kerry, there were challenges related to travel and accommodation for crew and cast due to cost and limited availability. The production looked to sourcing crew from the local region as a practical solution. With the help of Screen Kerry, the local film development office for the county, they were able to source the crew needed for the shoot.
As we were shooting in the Kerry region we made it our mission to hire as many crew as was possible who reside in that area. We did a mailshot ad in conjunction with Screen Kerry which we had a good response to. We were able to hire several crew members through that.
– Elaine Nicell, Skills Development Co-ordinator
The production also worked in conjunction with Kerry College Monavalley Campus to offer internship placements for students undertaking the Broadcast Production Skills course. This gave students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience through on-set training. Brian Nolan, lead instructor on the course said:
Real world experience on productions is critical. Kerry College Trainees got the chance to work on “Joyride” while still in a training environment. This was an opportunity to hone their skills and gain an industry credit as they start out on their Film/TV careers.
– Brian Nolan, Kerry College Monavalley
Skills Needs Addressed
Skills participants were paired with a mentor in their department to set out both the requirements for performing tasks in the role as well as individual learning objectives for the mentee. This approach ensured that skills participants were actively engaged in their own personal skills development while also fulfilling the crew needs in their department. Throughout this process, skills participants would receive regular feedback on their learning progression from both their mentors and Heads of Department. Participants found this collaborative learning process helpful:
I think the unique aspect my role brought to this project was helping the film come to life. I worked in the Art Department with the designer and Art Director and they were able to show me what it takes to make a film look "realistic".
– Hannah, Art Department
Progression of Talent Development
Upon completion of their skills plans on this production, participants shared that they had a better understanding of what was expected of them in their role and that they felt more comfortable asking questions about their own skills needs as well. Participants were able to build on this experience with confidence and take on new jobs after Joyride’s production was completed. For example, Alan, a production trainee, worked as a Trainee Assistant Director on a feature film and high budget TV series. He will continue his studies before seeking further work opportunities:
I am currently just finishing up my degree in TV and Film. ‘Joyride’ cemented to me that I want to work in the TV and Film Industry. I will pursue other jobs in the industry next.
– Alan, Production Trainee
Impacts & Outcomes
Joyride’s skills plan had the positive outcomes for not only for the production itself but also for its participants and highlighted opportunities for developing the regional filmmaking industry in Kerry. It created new opportunities for people at all levels, people new to the industry with transferrable skills, people with no experience and for students as well.
As we grow the depth of the crew base in Kerry, productions like ‘Joyride’ provide employment to crew and trainees based locally, enabling them to further their skillset & gain career experience. This is highly beneficial to the regional industry.
– Siobhan O'Sullivan, Kerry ETB Film Development Officer
Kerry is absolutely gorgeous and it comes across on screen. It's underrepresented in Irish film – along with a lot of other regional locations around Ireland. Hopefully with the help of the regional tax credit and the upskilling of regional crews this will change over time.
– Aoife O'Sullivan, Producer
This is a summary report of the case study submitted by Subotica. The full case study can be view here.
The trainee skills plans and quality assurance report were compiled by Skill Co-ordinator Elaine Nicell and the case study was compiled by Production Exec. Jamie Colclough
About Joyride
Directed by Emer Reynolds, Joyride tells the story of Joy (Olivia Colman), a complicated woman struggling with motherhood, who finds herself on the run with Mully (Charlie Reid), an adolescent with a mum-shaped void in his life. As they tear up the road on their riotous wild journey across Ireland, we follow these roguish ‘outlaws’ in search of their dreams, in this feel-good, foul-mouthed fairy-tale.
Joyride premiered at the 2022 Galway Film Fleadh as the festival's opening film. Find out where you can watch Joyride.