Cinemagic Targets Young Filmmakers

Young people, aged 16-25, keen to get an inside track on the film industry can do just that in December, as a regional Cinemagic 'Talent Lab' returns to Belfast as part of the annual Coca-Cola Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People.

Sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland, the initiative is a mix of creativity, fun and learning, offering young people the chance to participate in a unique series of industry masterclasses on 3rd and 4th December, culminating in a special awards ceremony in Odeon Cinemas.

Masterclasses include Fights for Stage and Screen with Youngblood's fight director Tim Klotz (Shakespeare's Globe, Lyric Hammersmith, Royal Festival Hall), Make-up for Film with Academy Award winning hair and make-up artist Christine Blundell (Topsy Turvy, Casino Royale, Sherlock Holmes), Costume Design with Academy Award winning designer Jenny Beavan (A Room with a View, Gosford Park, Alexander), Script Writing with Ryan Rowe (Tapeheads, Run’s House, I'm on Fire), Film Production with Terry Bamber (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Phantom of the Opera) and David Cain (Thunderbirds, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Hannibal Rising), Casting with highly acclaimed casting director Ros Hubbard (The Commitments, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Bourne Ultimatum), and Location Management with Andrew Wilson (City of Ember, Middletown, Breakfast on Pluto).

Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive, encourages young people aged 16 -25 to get involved: "With valued support from Invest NI, Cinemagic is once again able to offer a fantastic series of 'Talent Lab' masterclasses for young people interested in learning about the film industry.

"All of the masterclass participants will be given first-hand advice and gain new skills from the film professionals over the two days. It’s a chance to network with other like-minded people and pick up top tips on how to succeed in the industry," she said.

Sharon Polson, Invest NI's Head of Entrepreneurship Development, said: "The creative industries, including film and television, offer a wealth of business and career opportunities, and it is important that our young people are made aware of these possibilities as they consider their future professions.

"By supporting the development of skills in these sectors we can further strengthen the reputation of Northern Ireland as a global hub for screen production."

Ingrid Arthurs, Moving Image Arts Subject Officer, CCEA said: "CCEA is delighted to be hosting three exciting Cinemagic 'Talent Lab' masterclasses.

"Each of the film craft-based workshops will be of particular value to CCEA's Moving Image Arts, Art & Design and Drama students, who will benefit greatly from this dynamic and hands-on learning opportunity."

The Coca-Cola Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival runs in Belfast from 18th November- 4th December 2009 and it includes more than 100 film screenings and over 50 different workshops, competitions, masterclasses and film-related events.

See: www.cinemagic.org.uk

(BMcC/KMcA)