Section 481 Skills Development & Pathways Fund
As part of the Section 481 (S481) tax credit, production companies are required to develop a Skills Development Plan for its Trainees. This structured plan allows the Trainees to establish their learning goals and, with the help of their Supervisor (usually a Head of Department), track their learning progress over the course of production.
Additionally, live-action productions can also avail of Screen Ireland's Pathways Fund to support work opportunities on productions for those from diverse and underrepresented communities and those where access to the industry would historically be limited.
Samson Films is an independent production company based in Dublin that has devised a novel approach through S481 Skills Development and the Pathways Fund, to provide more inclusive opportunities on set and to address skills gaps on regional productions. On recent productions, the company has actively worked to support a range of on set opportunities for refugees from conflict zones who are residing in Ireland. These productions were able to draw on the knowledge, experience and skillset of a wide talent pool of refugees in various departments, while at the same time provided a unique opportunity for refugees to learn more about Irish life and culture through the filmmaking process.
Diversity, Inclusion & Community Outreach
Central to Samson Films' commitment to diversity and inclusion is its partnership with Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres (EROCs). These centres house refugees who had been displaced by conflict in their home countries and have moved to Ireland. For My Sailor, My Love and The Christmas Break, the production worked with the Ballaghaderreen EROC in Co. Roscommon to organise set visits for residents during the pre-production and production phases, offering them insight into the inner workings of film production. The initiative evolved organically, with initial set visits leading to opportunities for training or placements based on individual interests and skills.
Showing people what a set would look like might be rudimentary for us, but revealing for a novice. During pre-production we walked them around set to look at each department and they could see what they might add; wardrobe, art department, camera, photography. Some people had made short films back home, the EROC organisers didn't always know, as they had not brought it up. We brought them back again to see the shooting element. Those that were engaged and interested were brought on as a trainee or a placement.
- Eamon Hughes, Producer, Samson Films
One such suitable candidate identified was Issa Cheikmous, a Syrian refugee residing at the Ballaghaderreen EROC. Issa’s suitability for a work placement in the Art Department was clear from his skills and experience as a carpenter and painter, with a particular passion for drawing and decoration. He had over 24 years of experience working as a carpenter, with an impressive portfolio of silverwork, mosaics and interior design. A 10-day work placement supported by the Pathways Fund gave him the opportunity to work on a professional production with his own carpentry tools and an opportunity to practice his English language skills. Issa reported how much he enjoyed the experience both personally and professionally, and developed greater confidence to pursue future work opportunities.
From our point of view, it was a really rich experience having Issa as part of the team. His skill set totally outweighed our requirements and he was really obliging and helpful throughout. Looking forward to following his career path.
- Ele Wood, Head of Art Department
In another case, the production also benefitted from the skillset of two women who had recently arrived in Ireland with their children having been displaced from their homes in Ukraine. Nadiia Shmelova and Anastasiia Manzhosova both had previous experience working in film and television production in their home country and had reached out with their CVs. Production Accountant Stephen McGillen was impressed by their extensive experience and was happy to recruit them to support with the additional workload in the Accounts Department during pre-production. Even though the placements were a step down from their previous roles, Nadiia and Anastasiia adapted well and worked diligently as part of the production team.
I was very impressed with their CVs, so we arranged a Zoom call within a few days, and soon realised they had experience and were willing to work straight away. Both have been very hard working and excited to be part of this production. We went to set occasionally and compared filming here and the process in Ukraine. I think the whole crew enjoyed having these two women on board, their commitment was most impressive.
- Stephen McGillen, Production Accountant
Subsequently, in collaboration with RTÉ, Samson Films produced the short film Songbird, with input from Anastasiia as a producer and Nadiia as a shadow director and translator. This collaboration has continued further with both women also working on the production of the Screen Ireland-supported feature film Baltimore. Currently, Samson is in the process of developing a feature with Nadiia based on a screenplay she has written.
With a strong relationship built up with EROCs, Samson Films now actively seeks out opportunities with centres and the local community for all of their productions and has advised other productions in doing the same. These visits not only provided invaluable insights into potential career paths but also served as social training, promoting interaction, understanding and engagement between diverse communities. The knock-on effects of their initiatives will result in fairer and more authentic representations on screen and more opportunities behind the camera.
Working with the EROCs is something we are proud of. We want to keep coming back to give as many people as possible a long-term view of the film industry.
- Peter Horan, Development Executive, Samson Films
Working with Higher Education
Samson Films have also collaborated with various educational institutions and engaged with local film officers to deliver responsive programmes that meet the sector's evolving needs. For example, the production company works closely with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) to provide work placements and ongoing support for the students on the Film and Television Production programme. DkIT students benefit from tailored skills training and collaborative script development and feedback sessions on their final year short film. Each group receives constructive script notes and guidance from a production company perspective. These sessions include mock pitches as well as casting and crew selection exercises. Lecturers have commended the practical nature of this collaboration, which enhances students' learning experiences. Occasionally, they are also able to offer students practical on-set opportunities such as traineeships and office internships.
Regional Skills Development & Passport to Production
On regional productions, the company actively seeks opportunities to integrate local entrants and upskillers into various departments, addressing specific departmental needs of production.
In an effort to upskill and develop female talent in above-the-line roles, Samson Films implemented a strategic shadowship on the Finnish-Irish production of My Sailor, My Love which filmed in Co. Mayo. With a wealth of experience, local Line Producer Edwina Forkin's skills gap was around the need for expertise in budget management and accountancy, particularly for larger-scale international projects. The production company facilitated Edwina's immersion into the intricacies of budgeting and payroll. She was paired with the Production Accountant during the production process to get a better understanding of cost reports and budgeting within a shoot.
Additionally, they prioritised regional hiring strategies to bolster community engagement and tap into local talent pools. Edwina's presence in Mayo served as a cornerstone for this approach, leveraging her network and local insights to streamline the recruitment process. Collaborating closely with the local county council and regional film officers, the production company was able to source local crew and train up new entrants.
My Sailor, My Love is our best effort of skills development to date. We built the whole production from the ground up. This allowed us to put in place comprehensive training plans.
- Peter Horan, Development Executive, Samson Films
During the production of My Sailor, My Love, structured on-the-job learning experiences were provided to aspiring crew members, facilitating their growth and progression within the industry. Samson Films' Section 481 Skills Development Plan, informed by industry reports, identified significant skills gaps in various departments, particularly in the region. With a focus on cultivating local talent, the company collaborated with the Screen Ireland skills development team on a Passport to Production initiative to train and integrate inexperienced crew members into specific departments. Through Passport to Production, Samson engaged four graduates, providing them with invaluable on-the-job training. Trainees were mentored and shadowed experienced professionals, ensuring hands-on learning experiences tailored to individual goals and departmental needs.
Passport to Production was a hugely successful portion of our skills plan. We were able to engage trainees in the AD, Production, Camera and Locations departments. A work-based learning approach was applied. Each participant learned on the job through observing, assisting and taking instruction from their supervisor.
- Eamon Hughes, Producer, Samson Films
The skills development initiatives undertaken by Samson have yielded substantial results. With noteworthy examples that include the integration of refugees into production roles and opportunities in underrepresented communities where access is historically limited, collaboration with higher education institutes, and supporting skills development on regional productions. These examples highlight the impact and benefits of S481 Skills Development to both production companies and above and below-the-line talent, overall driving wider representation and access to the screen industry.
S481 is essential. We wouldn't be able to make films without it. It is a huge part of the funding. I can't overstate that. It is so needed. The requirements to avail of it put an emphasis on skills and training. Trainees and films are so synonymous. It is integral to the department that you find them even on productions like commercials that don't avail of S481.
- Peter Horan, Development Executive, Samson Films
The trainee skills plans, quality assurance report and case study were compiled by Peter Horan and Eamon Hughes from Samson Films.
About Samson Films
Samson Films is one of Ireland’s leading independent feature film production companies. In addition to developing its own film and TV drama material, Samson also acts as a co-producer and executive producer on a wide range of Irish, European and International feature film projects. The company has been awarded slate funding from Screen Ireland and the Creative Europe MEDIA programme amongst others. Recent productions include Baltimore, The Night Caller, My Sailor, My Love and The Ghost of Richard Harris.