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Celtic Media Festival Revieweoghan farren
by Eoghan Farren

I had a great time at the Celtic Media Festival, held at the Radisson SAS, Galway. My attendance was funded by Skillset and I was given a limit of £150 to spend on transport food and accommodation. I made some great contacts with industry professionals including Janet Dulin-Jones, Arthur Lappin, Ed Guiney, Mark Leese and the like. Exposure ran the student workshops which were taught by Dulin-Jones and the producer of American Fork, the co-producer of which produced Napoleon Dynamite. The three days were all about networking and soaking up the info given by the pros. The workshops consisted of screenwriting and pitching your idea. On the final day students were given the opportunity to pitch to Dulin-Jones and other professionals and receive quality feedback. Every day all delegates were treated to lunch in the Radisson’s restaurant. The Gala dinner and final awards ceremony on the final day was hosted by Dathie O’Shay and Mary Kennedy of TG4 and RTE. Guests included Tom Collins and delegates of the Irish Television and Film Board.

During the three days talks were held as well as the Exposure workshops. These talks consisted of panels of influential industry professionals talking about their careers and how they got started in the industry as well as how to get your project funded. Speakers at the talks included Stephen Rae, John Kelly and various IFTB members.

I had a brilliant time and made some great friends. Once I got home I followed up on every contact and am still receiving emails and feedback from the Festival. I just thank Skillset for giving us this opportunity and the tutors who encouraged us to take part. Who knows where these contacts might lead!

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