Content Development for Film and Television Course Praised in Dáil Éireann
Kerry College’s Content Development for Film and Television course, which launched in September 2023, has garnered high praise in Dáil Éireann during a JOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, CULTURE, ARTS, SPORT, AND MEDIA.
Brendan Griffin, TD, commended the course for its national importance and its role in setting a new standard for regional education.
“I want to mention Kerry College and the Content Development for Film and Television course that started there in 2023. It is of national importance, which is why I am mentioning it here today. It really sets a standard in terms of the type of education that we need to be rolling out region ally and the types of courses that we need to make available in all pockets of the country. It is my understanding that there are 14 graduate students from across the country participating in the course that is available in Kerry College in Tralee,” said Griffin.
Griffin also highlighted the dedicated team behind the course, including Mr. Owen O’Donnell, Mr. Con O’Sullivan, Mr. John Herlihy, and Gerard Barrett, a director, writer, and producer heavily involved in the course. He expressed interest in hearing if this type of course could be replicated nationwide, recognising the contributions of Mr. Maurice Sweeney, Chairman of the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, who teaches on the course in Tralee.
“Some really significant players are involved in the course, and it is one that should set a template for others around the country. It is building on over 30 years of work by Kerry College in the areas of film and television,” Griffin added.
The meeting heard from officials and representatives from Screen Producers Ireland, Animation Ireland, Ardmore and Troy Studios, Telegael, and Ardán. Leading industry figures echoed Griffin’s sentiments on the day, emphasising the course’s impact on the Irish film and television industry. The course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in content development and screenwriting across film and television.
Elaine Geraghty managing director of Ardmore Studios and Troy Studios said “The course the Deputy is talking about is one with which we are very familiar. A point relevant to why we are here today is that it would be great if a college or institute in Kerry could be the feeder school for a much wider region.”
Mr. Gar O’Brien Collins Western Region Audiovisual Production executive said “I agree with the Deputy on the course. That course and the students coming out of it are important.”
Kerry College is pleased to announce that the Content Development for Film and Television course will run again in September 2024. Applications are now open. Prospective students can visit the Kerry College website or CDFTV.com for more information on how to apply. The course is limited to 14 places. Application and studio tours are open now.