First Cut!

Open Call for Submissions

2011-07-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

2011 First Cut! Film Festival, October 1st&2nd
Great short films and the Best young filmmakers!

We are now accepting submissions for the 2011 First Cut! Youth Film Festival.Our deadline is August 26th,2011.
First Cut! announces plans for this years festival with some exciting changes in store.
For a start we would now like to offer an opportunity to young filmmakers to showcase their work at our festival on October 1st and 2nd. We are inviting young people under the age of 21 to enter their short films.
The Festival takes place this year over two days in Glanmire, Co Cork .In previous years the focus has been on premiering the films made by young people who are involved in The First Cut! Film Project.
In response to the interest from young people from outside the Cork Harbour region in 2011, although the festival will continue to have a focus on local talent, we now welcome film from outside this area, nationally and even internationally!
What are we looking for?
This year First Cut! is looking for short films of any genre; drama, documentary, comedy, animation, music video, sci fi / horror, artistic/experimental, made by local, national and international young filmmakers under 21.
Submission Deadline: Noon on Friday August 26th, 2011. No Entry Fee! Send your film on a DVD, highest quality possible please!
Post Entries to: First Cut! Youth Film Festival, c/o Cork Film Centre, Civic Trust House, Pope’s Quay, Cork.
More Information: contact Mary Mc Grath 0868139019/ e mail firstcutfilm@gmail.com

First Draft! Winners..

2011-07-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Make a Film in a Week project took place last week and was, once again, a fun success!

The scripts made into short films during this week were both the brainchildren of Cian Clesham. His script THE SWAN became became one of the films shot and the other film was adapted from one of Cian's ideas.

Special mention must be made of Georgia Doorley's script STARS AND PLANETS which was a close runner up.

Well done to all who participated!

The First Cut! Summer Project 2011

2011-06-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Make a Film in a Week will take place from Monday June 27 to Friday July 1, 10am to 5pm, in Midleton, Co Cork.

There are 20 places available.

Please confirm now if you want to participate.

Films made during the week will be shown at the First Cut Project Gala on Friday September 16th, where films will be selected for screening at the First Cut!Film Festival, October 1st/2nd, Glanmire, Co Cork.

Any questions call/text or email:

Mary Mc Grath, Co Ordinator

First Cut! Film Project

firstcutfilm@gmail.com

0353868139019

http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-CutYouth-Film-Project-Festival/127337763985353

First Cut! Youth Film Project working in association
with Cork Film Centre is funded by The Arts Office of Cork County Council
and South and East Cork Area Development Ltd, (SECAD).

The First Cut! Film Festival receives financial assistance from the Arts Council.

First Cut Films in Fresh Film Festival

2011-03-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

Three First Cut films from last year were accepted for this year's Fresh Film Festival.

The films were:

Glanormal Activity (GCS)
Crazy in Love (BCS)
Stone Soup (Make a Film in a Week)

Crazy in Love also took the audience award at the Cork Heats.

For more information, please see:

http://www.freshfilmfestival.net

First Cut Films screening in Fresh Film Fest heats

2011-03-09T03:54:00.000-08:00

As part of our ongoing commitment to showing your work and as a result of the high standard of entries in 2011 we are programming regional screenings.

The FIRST CUT films will be screened on: Wednesday 16th March 10.00-1.15 at Jury's River Lee Hotel Cork

The audience at the regional screenings will vote for their favourite film to win an audience award. You cannot vote if you do not attend. Selected films from the regional screenings will go forward to the finals in Limerick. Finalists will NOT be notified before the regional screenings. All announcements about films going forward to the finals will be made at the regional screening, therefore you are advised to attend the regional screening.

If your film is selected for the finals please note that the finals will be held in Storm Cinema in Limerick on Wednesday 30th March 2011.

Ireland's young film maker screenings fill up fast so contact us soon if you would like to secure your free places. If there is no one to take your call, please leave a message and we will get back to you. Alternatively, you can email us your bookings at info@freshfilmfestival.net

First Cut! 2011 Workshops Up and Running

2011-02-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

Cork Film Centre's busy teams of tutors are already deep into this year's round of film workshops, having already brought the fun of filmmaking to young people in Pobalscoil na Trionoide in Youghal, St Peter's Community School in Passage West, St. Colman's Community College in Midleton and Inch Foroige. With workshops in Killeagh, Ballincollig, Cobh and Glanmire to follow over the next few days, and more scheduled for next month, First Cut! is full steam ahead!

And that's not all! First Cut! is delighted to offer a series of Two-Day Film Workshops as a follow-up for young filmmakers who have already completed our one-day film workshops. These will take participants further into the filmmaking process, expanding on what the one-day workshops have covered and upgrading skills. It will also include a full day devoted to the shooting of a short film, giving participants the opportunity to experience the filmmaking process in more depth.

These workshops will take place in five centres around South and East Cork, with the young filmmakers involved attending the one happening nearest to them.

The first day will include hands-on workshops in using equipment and in film theory. It will also include the preparation of the story for the short film. The second day will be all action, getting the film shot. The finished film will be screened at the First Cut! Youth Film Festival in October.

First Cut is also offering one-day Animation Workshops with experienced animator Jane Lee. In these fully hands-on workshops participants learn to animate using a range of techniques - from plasticene model animation, clay-mation and even acting to camera using live action filming techniques. These will take place in Cork City at Cork Film Centre.

For examples of both animations coming out of Jane’s previous workshops and Jane’s own work, visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/janepaperplane#p/u

For more information, please contact: firstcutfilm@gmail.com

First Cut Programme

2010-10-01T02:02:00.000-07:00

To obtain a copy of the gala weekend programme, please contact Mary at firstcutfilm@gmail.com

Change to Festival Programme

2010-09-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Please Note: Change to Festival Workshop Programme

The Beacon Hill Film Project has had to cancel their Workshop at the Festival. Will Sadler, their Project Manager, sends apologies.

We are really sorry that they have had to cancel and hope to link up with them at another time.

And so the choice of 2nd Workshop @ 3.20pm is Ayman Scuffins or Patrick O Shea.
Please let us know in advance: firstcutfilm@gmail.com or 0868139019

More great photos taken during the shooting of Summer Project Films in Midleton Adoptation and Stone Soup.

Thanks to Evia Vanaga, Ballincollig and Gavin Curley, Youghal !

First Cut! Festival Programme

2010-09-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

First Cut Youth Film Festival 2010

Saturday October 2

County Hall, Cork

2 - 8pm

A fun-packed day of screenings and film-related workshops!

Young people attending will have the opportunity of participating in three workshops.

1) Fresh Film Festival presentation (for everyone attending)

AND

2) Leeds Young Film Festivals’ 2010 National Young Filmmakers Award Winners’ Beacon Hill Film Project. 'The Pirate and the Mermaid'

Presentation by young, Mallow based filmmaker Ayman Scruffins on his feature film Cassie and the Crystals

Presentation by established, Cork-based filmmaker Patrick O'Shea

(Participants should choose from one of these three workshops, which will run at the same time. Please email firstcutfilm@gmail.com to let us know which workshop you'd like to attend)

AND

3) Animation presentation with Jane Lee (for everyone attending)

Followed by the annual gala screening of all First Cut films made over the past year!

Information on Workshops

Animation with Jane Lee:

JANE LEE is an animator / director based in Cork who heads her own production company, Paper Plane Creations. Recent short films include Revelations (commissioned byThe Irish Film Board), Bare ( commissioned by the Irish Film Board, the Arts Council and RTÉ, ) and The Demon Within. Jane's work can be seen on her website - www.paperplanecreations.com.

Fresh Film Festival:

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL is a national film festival for young people, aged between 7 and 18, which takes place in Limerick each year. The Fresh Film Festival grew out of a need for a specific film festival for young people that would firstly assess their needs and then develop a programme that would suit their requirements. The festival is committed to the creation of a strong film culture in Ireland which it feels can be achieved by having film-making and film education freely accessible to young people. Jayne Foley, Fresh Film Festival director, will present thisn workshop.

Beacon Hill Film Project:

BEACON HILL FILM PROJECT, film 'The Pirate and the Mermaid' won the National Young Filmmakers Award this year (14-19 category) at Leeds Young Film Festival. The Beacon Hill Film Project is a group of young people with learning disabilities and autism who, with support, make their own films from script to screen. They also make the props, design the costumes and compose the music. This year, in addition to winning the National Young Filmmakers Award, the project has also won a First Light Award for Best Original Music (composed by the young people) which was awarded by David Arnold, composer of the recent James Bond Films. Their work has also been featured at Encounters, and on Saturday 4th September, the project won the National Lottery Award for “Best Arts Project”, broadcast live on BBC One to an audience of around 2.2 million viewers.

Ayman Scruffins:

Cassie and the Crystals is an epic high fantasy film written, directed and produced by young Mallow man AYMAN SCRUFFINS. Ayman who is a talented all rounder, has run a host of projects with young people in Mallow, including The Street Girls Dance Show (2009), Malla Mia Musical (2009) and The Fantasy Dance Show (2010). This is his second film after the runaway success of ‘The Key of Troplem’ in 2008 which was screened in the Gate cinema in Cork. These projects were run by Ayman and a group of fellow volunteers under the guise of ‘Spotlight’, a youth group set up in 2006 by Youth Work Ireland CDYS based in the Mallow Youth Centre.

Patrick O'Shea:

PATRICK O’SHEA is an award-winning film maker who studied Film & Communications in the Dublin Institute of Technology from 1995 to 1999. He was Head of Operations for the Future TV Media Centre in Dublin for the year 2000, after which he moved to Luxembourg and worked in the film studios of Carousel Pictures and Deluxe Productions. He has written, directed and produced numerous short films and promo videos. His short film ‘Revenge’ was broadcast on RTÉ 2 (Ireland’s national broadcaster) and his short horror film, ‘The Sign’ (2008), premiered at the Cork International Film Festival in 2008 and played as part of Spike Lee’s Babelgum Online Film Festival 2009. His short film ‘Penny’, screened at the Cork, Waterford and Clones Film Festivals in 2008. ‘Penny’ won the Prize for ‘Best Drama’ at the Corona International Fastnet Short Film Festival 2009. It recently screened on RTÉ as part of its Short Screen series. His latest short film, ‘Tunnel’, has screened at the Cork International Film Festival, Electric Picnic, The Galway Fringe Fleadh and at Underground Cinema in 2009. He is currently in post-production with his debut feature film, 'Tree Keeper' which was shot during the summer of 2010. Patrick is the writer, director and producer of 'Tree Keeper'. Go to www.treekeepermovie.com for more information.nPatrick O'Shea will screen and talk about the making of his short films 'Penny', 'The Sign' and 'Tunnel'. He will particularly concentrate on aspects of no budget, guerilla film-making.

Screening Programme

Glannormal Activity (Glanmire Community School)

Der Leben Narkotisch (Killeagh CDYS Club)

Tick-Tock ( Carrigaline Youth Project)

I'm a Student, Get Me Out of Here! (St Coleman's, Midleton)

Body Bag (St. Aloysius,Carrigtwohill)

News Stalk (Pobalscoil na Trionoide, Youghal)

Cursed Phones ( Youthreach Youghal)

Cousins Inch (Killeagh Foroige Club)

The Janitor (Youghal Youth Project)

Crazy in Love (Ballincollig Community School)

Hooked (Cobh Youth Services)

Strained Activities (St Peter's, Passage West)

Not the 10 O'Clock News (Glanmire Community School)

Adoptation ('Make a Film in a Week' summer project)

Stone Soup ('Make a Film in a Week' summer project)

Teachers’ Pet (Glanmire Youth Project)

Summer Stills!

2010-09-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

With the fun-packed day of screenings, workshops and presentations in the County Hall now only a month away, we take a quick glance back at the First Cut! Make A Film In A Week summer event which took place in Midleton this June. These films, Stone Soup and Adoptation, will be among the many First Cut! films to be screened at the County Hall this October 2nd...

Date Finalised for First Cut! Film Festival

2010-06-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday October 2nd has been confirmed as the date for this year's First Cut! Film Festival.

It will again take place at Cork County Hall and feature a gala screening of all films shot in the 2009/'10 First Cut! Project as well an exciting selection of other youth film related workshops and events. Watch this space for updates!

First Draft Short Story Writing Competition

2010-04-29T04:03:00.000-07:00

We are inviting short story/script submissions for our First Draft Short Story Writing Competition.
This competition is linked directly to the First Cut! Film Project.
You are invited to submit a short story, which you feel can be adapted easily to film, and which may be shot during the Film Summer Project which will take place in Midleton June 22-26th.

Up to 500 words/max. 2 pages typed.

This competition is open to all young people at youth project/secondary school level in the South and East Cork Areas.

Deadline for entries is 28 May.

The winning author will be prominently credited on the film which will be shown at the First Cut Film Festival in September 2010. The winning story and two runners up will be published on an internet site connected to Cork Film Centre and the First Cut blogsite.

All entries to: Cork Film Centre, Civic Trust House, 50 Popes Quay, Cork.
E-mail: info@corkfilmcentre.com

The winners will be announced on CFC s website and on the FIRST CUT blog site: cfcfirstcut.blogspot.com on Friday June 7th, and will be notified by e-mail.

First Cut! Summer Project 2010 - Make a Film in a Week

2010-04-29T03:43:00.000-07:00

The dates for the First Cut! Summer Project 2010 - Make a Film in a Week have been set for June 28 - July 2, 10am to 5pm, in Midleton.
Films made during the week will be shown at the First Cut! Film Festival, provisional dates 25/26 September 2010.
The deadline for applications for a place will be May 28th.

Anyone interested should contact us at firstcutfilm@gmail.com asap with information on what you have done to date, your track record in film making, and send us anything you have shot, even on mobile phone, or been involved in making. Let us know why you want a place on this project. Any questions call/text or e mail.

2009-'10 Workshops

2010-04-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

The 2009 - '10 round of First Cut! Workshops is entering its final phase, with Cork Film Centre's busy teams of tutors having now visited ten schools and youth groups, from Glanmire to Youghal, from Passage West to Killeagh, from Ballincollig to Carrigtwohill ... and beyond!

This selection of photos gives just a hint of the fun that's been had:

Midsummer Festival Opportunity

2010-03-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

First Cut! Film Project has been approached by the Education and Participation Strand of Cork Midsummer Festival (June 12 - 27). Links have been developed through Kath Gorman, Associate Producer, Cork Midsummer Festival.

There are a number of opportunities:

They contacted us looking for a Video Assistant. This is a voluntary position which would give the opportunity to one young person, age 16-25, to participate actively with professional filmmakers in one of the Festival's major productions, FML. This is commissioned by Belgian director Pol Heyvaert of Campo, Out of Order, a 2009 Festival workshop performance which was powerful, darkly humorous and innovative. It's back for a full production in the 2010 Festival, reinvented as FML (F**k My Life)

Other opportunities:

First Cut! young filmmakers will make up a critical audience of 30 young people who on Friday 9th April will view FML. The audience will view the unfinished production and in a facilitated session will give feedback to the young people in FML. They will also be invited to a preview on June 24th. There is potential for those who are interested to become part of the Festivals new and innovative Young Curators Event, providing training to young people who are interested in being involved in creating festivals, shows, productions and arts projects in the area.

I think this is a great learning opportunity and v good for the cv, also it should be good fun.The show is by and for young people, about 20 are involved in writing, acting and film is used in the production.The shooting will take place on some days during Easter, probably 27/28th March and from May 3 to June 19.

N.B. Please let me know asap if you are keen and available. I will contact Kath immediately as decisions are being made next week.

Look forward to hearing from you,

Mary

Co ordinator

First Cut! Youth Film Project

0868139019

Art-Youth-Culture

2010-03-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

A meeting of young people and policy makers 27 -29 March 2010 Are you between the ages of 15 and 23? The Arts Council is interested in hearing your views about young people’s participation in cultural life and the arts. Art-Youth-Culture: FYI will be held over three days in Dublin. It will involve a series of arts-based workshops and discussions, concluding with a meeting between young people, arts policy makers, and government representatives. What can you expect from participating in this event? Art-Youth-Culture: FYI is an opportunity to share and brainstorm ideas with other young people who have an interest in the arts. You will have a chance to explore young people’s participation in cultural life and the arts, through arts-based workshops and discussions. You are invited to share your ideas, opinions and suggestions with key policy-makers who make decisions in this area. We hope this event will generate some fresh insights for all those taking part. The Arts Council will take account of the issues raised in developing its new strategy regarding arts provision for children and young people. Similarly, we hope that young delegates will gain information, contacts and ideas that will assist them in accessing, or initiating, arts and cultural activities for young people in their local communities. Accommodation and transport costs for delegates coming from outside of Dublin will be covered by the event. How can I get involved? The Arts Council is seeking 60 young delegates (aged 15-23) to participate in Art-Youth-Culture: FYI. If you wish to participate, please complete a Statement of Interest form, available to download from the Arts Council website: http://www.artscouncil.ie/en/areas-of-work/actions/FYI.aspx Please note that Statement of Interest forms are available for groups and individuals. Information on which form you should complete is available on the website. Completed forms must be returned to the Arts Council no later than 12 March 2010. You can read more about the event on the Arts Council website: http://www.artscouncil.ie/en/areas-of-work/actions/FYI.aspx. If you are a policy-maker with a remit in the area of young people, cultural life and/or the arts, and are interested in participating in this event, please contact Mathilde Veldt at mathilde.veldt@artscouncil.ie.

North West Youth Film Festival

2010-02-17T02:26:00.000-08:00

The North West Youth Film Festival will take place in Letterkenny and Derry from 29th Apr - 1st May. The main aim of the festival is to showcase Irish and International youth produced short films.

It's open to anyone under 19 and it's totally free of charge to submit a film. Winning films will be projected on the big screen in both Letterkenny and Derry. The top 10 films will travel to international youth festivals around the world. The deadline is 19th March.

The North West Youth Film Festival is seeking all types of short films. For more information email:

jeremy.howard@nerve-centre.org.uk

or have a look at the submission form linked below:

http://www.nerve-centre.org.uk/Submission.pdf

Fresh Film Festival Deadline Approaching...

2010-01-18T03:13:00.000-08:00

If you are between the ages of 7 and 18 years of age and have been involved in the making of a short film don’t forget to enter it to Fresh Film Festival by January 29th, 2010.

Entry details available on request of from www.freshfilmfestival.net or call 061 31955 for more information.

The 13th Fresh Film Festival will take place from March 22nd-25th 2010. The film entry deadline for the Junior and Senior Ireland's Young Filmmaker Awards for 2009 is January 29th.

This year's festival will feature an exciting collection of national and international films, special events and Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year awards featuring the brownbag animation award, The Radharc award for best documentary, RTE Two Tube's 60 second Short and The international award.

The Senior Ireland's Young Filmmaker Awards 2009 take place on Wednesday March 24th and the Junior Ireland's Young Filmmaker Awards will take place on Thursday March 25h.

For applications please contact the office or check Fresh Film Festival website.

Screen Acting Workshop

2009-09-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 10th October, 12-1 pm, South Parish Community Hall, Sawmill Street

Allocated Time: 1 h

This is a taster workshop with the intention of highlighting the most common mistakes in screen acting and to give participants basic techniques for working with the camera.

The workshop will give students an insight into

- the specific requirements of screen acting versus stage acting
- close up work
- casting

Outline:

- Introduction/warm up
- On the floor: exercise in specific tasks versus general emotions
( act looking for something/ really search for something)
- On the floor: close-up work: eliminating overacting
(tell a story of your live / think clear, specific thoughts)
- Casting: cold reading, making quick, strong choices
‘cheating’ to the camera
- Exercise: casting a duologue in cold reading

Workshop Leader:
Stella Majewsky is Artistic Director of the Gaiety School of Acting in Cork.
She was originally trained in the acclaimed Bochum Institute for Acting, and under the auspice of Filmstudio Babelsberg Berlin. She has acted for the major production companies in Germany, including ZDF and SAT 1. Currently she is doing practise based PhD research on screen actors training with The International Film School in the University of Wales.

First Cut 2009 Film Festival Update

2009-09-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the Gaiety School of Acting acting for film workshop has been cancelled this Saturday. However, there will still be an information stand from the Gaiety School where it will be possible to book a place on a special acting workshop the following Saturday, October 3rd, free of charge.

And workshops with the Fresh Film Festival and filmmaker Claire Dix will be running as scheduled at 3pm on Saturday coming. Please let us know which of these workshops you'd like to attend- to do so, just call:
MARY MC GRATH, FIRST CUT CO-ORDINATOR on 086 8139019

FIRST CUT 2009
Youth Film Festival

Films / Workshops / Youth Jury

First Cut Youth Film Project

2.00 - 8.30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 26 2009
Cork County Hall

The FIRST CUT 2009 Film Festival is fast approaching...!

2009-09-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

We look forward to this new and exciting element of the FIRST CUT Film Project, where, on September 26^th 2009, 18 short films and 5 Animations made throughout 2009 by young people, aged 14 to 21, who participated in FIRST CUT workshops and summer schools will have their first public screening. This Festival, which takes place at County Hall, Cork, is organised by FIRST CUT Youth Film Project in association with Cork Film Centre and funded by The Arts Office of Cork County Council and South & East Cork Area Development, SECAD. The young filmmakers come from Youghal, Passage West, Glanmire, Carrigaline, Cobh,Ballincollig,Carrigtwohill, Togher, Douglas and Midleton.

FIRST CUT Youth Film Project in South and East Cork is now in its third year. During that time two successful and very enjoyable Gala Film Nights have taken place at County Hall, Cork. This expansion from Gala to Festival is due to the increased interest and involvement of young people in this film making project throughout the area.

This year young people from East and South of the Cork Harbour area will gather together to see their films on the big screen.

The Festival will be a lively, informative, creative and fun mix of short films, workshops, information for all.

The Festival Programme will kick off at 2 p.m. in the foyer of Cork County Hall. The inaugural FIRST CUT Festival will be officially opened by Mick Hannigan, Corona Cork Film Festival Director.

In the foyer itself Information Stands will be on view from St John’s College Film Department, The Gaiety School of Acting and animation filmmaker Jane Lee.

Each of the participating groups including youth projects, clubs and schools, who took part in the FIRST CUT 2009 Workshops will also have stands providing information on their groups, their roles and of course their films.

There will be an opportunity for everyone to mix and mingle and look at the information on offer at the Stalls and ask questions.

At 3pm there will be 3 Workshops available to all young filmmakers to choose from

Fresh Film Festival
Claire Dix a local, young writer/director of documentary TV, short fiction, animation and also an award winning director of music videos.
Screen acting with the Gaiety School of Acting

More details on the content of these half hour workshops will be available shortly, meanwhile if you would like to tell us your preference we can set aside a place for you.

At 5.30pm the First Cut 2009 Films will be premiered on Floor 16.
Full Programme to follow.

We at FIRST CUT hope that this Festival adds to your enjoyment of, and interest in, film.

This event is free. For more information please contact:

MARY MC GRATH, FIRST CUT CO-ORDINATOR on 086 8139019

Summer Courses

2009-07-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun photos from the two week-long First Cut! summer courses that took place in Midleton and Carrigaline over the past few weeks.

Thanks to all who participated!

First Cut! Story Competition Results

2009-06-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Young Writers (youth project/secondary school age) in the South and East Cork areas were invited to submit their short stories to the First Cut! Film Project with a view to the winning stories being adapted for the screen at the First Cut! Summer Film Week workshop this June. This short story competition is the first writer-oriented project that First Cut! has initiated.

The two stories selected are:

She Was Just A Girl (Robert McCarthy)
Henry and Zooey (Kieran Doyle)

The runners-up are:

Swap (Michael Coleman)
The Intruder (Shay Buckley)
Harsh Times (Clodagh Cotter)

They can be read at:

http://cfcfirstcutstory.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Writers!

Sweded TV

2009-05-22T02:57:00.000-07:00

We've caught wind of a competition which might be of interest to FIRST CUT! participants:

"Want to make your own TV shows? Now’s the time! You could win the chance to make and star in your own episodes of Sweded TV with a professional TV crew at your disposal. Apply by filling in the form via RTE website or post it to: Sweded TV, Still Films, 8/9 South William Street, Dublin 2. The deadline is 6pm on Monday 1st June so DO IT RIGHT NOW."

"What’s Sweded TV all about?"

"Sweded TV is a series of short comic films made by teenagers. It’ll be shown on TTV this Autumn and on YouTube after that. “Sweding” means making funny cheap n’ cheerful versions of famous films. Sweding first became popular on YouTube and there are loads of home-made swedes to be seen there. Sweded TV is a series of short episodes, each sweding a popular TV show instead of a film. Have a look at some of the swedes from last year’s series. http://www.rte.ie/tv/ttv/swededtv//swededtv_av.html"

"How do I get involved?"

"Want to make your own version of The Hills or The Late Late Show? Feel like laughing about Neighbours or Sky News? Apply by filling in this form and telling us who you are and which 3 TV programmes you’d most like to swede. You can also grab our attention by uploading examples of your own short films or swedes. You will need to apply as a group. This could be a group of your friends, schoolmates, a sports team, a drama group or whatever else, as long as there are between 6 and 12 of you. You should be aged between 12 and 19 to take part. Only one of you needs to fill in the form, but please include names of everyone in the group."

"What will happen if I win?"

"If your group are selected, your group needs to be free for one week (between 22nd of June and 26th July 09) to plan and film your swedes with the Sweded TV team. You will make up to 3 swedes and they will be broadcast on TTV in Autumn this year. GET APPLYING NOW! GOOD LUCK"

First Draft Short Story Competition

2009-05-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

SO WHAT IS THE 'FIRST DRAFT SHORT STORY COMPETITION?!

Young Writers (youth project/secondary school age) in the South and East Cork areas are invited to submit their short stories to the FIRST CUT Film Project!

You don't have to be a filmmaker... or even have any ambition of becoming one... but, if you have a short story (up to 500 words - two typed pages, or less) that you'd like to see made into a short film by young filmmakers participating in the FIRST CUT! Summer Film Week, send it in!

In addition to having your story adapted for the Summer Film Week screenplay - and getting prominently credited in the film! - the winning story and two runners-up will be published on the internet on a site linked to the Cork Film Centre and FIRST CUT! websites.

ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY MAY 22nd, 2009

AND WHAT IS THE FIRST CUT SUMMER FILM WEEK?

It's a week long filmmaking course aimed at young filmmakers who have already done some FIRST CUT! training. It will take place in late June. Watch this space for more info coming soon!

WHAT SORT OF STORIES CAN BE SUBMITTED?

Keep in mind that the short film will be made over three days, with a cast and crew of mainly young people - and without a Hollywood budget! So keep it simple and achievable. Outside of that condition, any and all types of stories are welcome. Let your imagination run wild!

WILL THE WINNER HAVE ANY SAY IN THE WAY THE FILM IS MADE?

No. As in a professional movie production, the writer is only concerned with the story. While every effort will be made to respect the spirit of the story and convey its ideas as powerfully as possible, the filmmakers reserve the right to make any changes necessary in adapting it for the screen. The writer will not be consulted about changes.

His or her credit will read: "Adapted from an original story by..."

WHERE WILL THE FINISHED FILM BE SCREENED?

The film will be screened at Cork County Hall as part of the inaugural FIRST CUT FILM FESTIVAL in September 2009. More information on that event coming soon!

WHERE DO I SEND MY STORY?

To:

Cork Film Centre,
Civic Trust House,
50 Popes Quay,
Cork

or by email to:
info@corkfilmcentre.com.

The winners will be announced on the CFC website and on the FIRST CUT blog site on Friday June 5th, and will be notified by e-mail.

Workshops Completed

2009-04-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

The 2009 cycle of two-day workshops is now complete!

A massive thank you to Cork Film Centre's team of tutors: Ciara, Jane, Sarah, Deirdre and Barry. Great work! And, of course, thanks to all who participated, young people and adult supervisors alike.

Watch this space for news on the First Cut! summer project and the gala screening this autumn!

Feedback from Cobh Youth Services Workshop Participants

2009-04-22T04:07:00.000-07:00

"I did it the year before and it was good so I wanted to do it again. We acted and learned sound and camera work and how to direct. I liked all the fun we had and it was such a laugh"
Ricky Parker, 15.

"I wanted to experience what it would be like to do a film project. We learned how to use the cameras and made a film. Making the film was the best thing about the workshop, I would do it again."
Ann-Marie O Flaherty, 15.

"I did the film workshop because I like drama and I wanted to be involved in the production. I video recorded the scenes and played a part in one of the scenes and used the clapper board to say what scenes were on. I enjoyed being in the film the most because I like taking part in things like that. I would definitely do it again"
Jennifer O Connell, 15.

"I wanted to take part in the film workshop because I thought it wold be a good laugh and a good experience. I learned about cameras and how to act out scenes. We made a good laugh out of it and I would definitely do it again"
Nigel Murray, 17.

"I took part in the film workshop to see what it would be like and find out if I had any talent. We learned about acting and we were shown how to use the cameras. The entire experience was enjoyable, we never had a chance to do this before"
Rob Donachie, 18.

First Cut Continues!

2009-03-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

The First Cut! workshops are continuing, with our busy teams of tutors visiting St Peter's Community School in Passage West, Cobh Youth Services, and Ballincollig Community School. But- hey!- don't forget: if you've had a workshop, we'd like to hear from you! Send us your feedback and comments for this blog! Drop us a line at info@corkfilmcentre.com

Workshop Reactions from Pobalscoil na Tríonóide Students

2009-03-06T02:43:00.000-08:00

I found the film workshop an extremely enjoyable experience. It was both educational and fun. I learned much more than I expected to, and if I was given the chance to develop the skills I picked up, I definitely would.

I liked everything about the workshop, especially the fact that my opinion was valued by the other participants and instructors.

I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of their interest in film or video production. It would benefit whoever attends, and it certainly benefited me!

I now have confidence both in front of and behind a camera. The only down side to the workshop was that we only had two days, I could have stayed there for a week.

It was a welcome break from school and a worthwhile experience. I learned many things I will keep and use for the rest of my life.
Kevin Murphy, Class 4A1, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal

I felt the film workshop was a great experience for me. I always had an interest in film so I jumped at the opportunity to take the workshop. The workshop was great, in the way that it looked at the different aspects and angles of film making. I learned how to work a camera, the different lighting issues, angles, ways of focusing, and many more. I learned the amount of hard work, determination and length of time it takes in film making. It takes a lot of preparation and good team work. It’s also fun because you get to write and direct your own film, which brings out everybody’s creative side. The only frustrating thing was that it took a long time to prepare, but other than that it was brilliant and if I had the chance to do it again I would.
Elaine Murphy 4A2, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal

This film workshop was a very interesting and fun way to learn about film-making. We learnt about the technology and techniques in a fun and practical way because we were using the equipment ourselves. The best part about the workshop was when we actually made our short film because all of the pieces fit together then. I would definitely recommend this workshop to anyone who has an interest in film-making.
Deirdre Kelly, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal

2009 Film Project Underway!

2009-02-25T04:57:00.000-08:00

The third year of First Cut! is underway!

Formerly known as the East Cork Youth Film Project, First Cut! began in 2006. An intiative of South East Cork Area Development (SECAD) and Cork County Council Arts Office, this project is run and facilitated by Cork Film Centre (CFC).

The first two years of the project included a wide range of digital filmmaking workshops carried out with youth groups and schools throughout East Cork. Films made under this scheme were premiered at County Hall as part of the gala screenings that concluded each year's filming. 2008 saw the project expand to include a week-long summer course geared towards further honing participants' filmmaking skills.

2009's project is bigger and better than ever before! The one-day workshops of previous years have now expanded to two-day workshops. And, as well as returning to the East Cork areas that have previously been included, CFC's busy teams of tutors will also be working with groups from South Cork this year. South and East Cork Area Development Ltd. (SECAD) (previously East Cork Area Development) has been expanded .The geographic area covered by SECAD covers the Midleton and Carrigaline Electoral areas and part of Blarney Electoral area. The East Cork area includes Cobh, Midleton, Youghal, Carrigtwohill, Glanmire and surrounding villages and rural areas, while South Cork includes Carrigaline, Passage West, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy, Crosshaven and Bays, Ballincollig, Ballygarvan, Ballinhassig and surrounding areas as well as rural parts of Douglas, Togher and Bishopstown.

So far, we have been to Youghal Community School, Carrigaline Youth Services and a group hosted by TACT, Togher. The first series of two-day workshops will be running until May. Another summer course will follow, and 2009's gala screening will take place this autumn.

Have you participated in one of our workshops this year? Or are you a youth group leader or teacher who has hosted a workshop? If so, we'd love to hear from you - this blogsite is a forum for your feedback, reactions and ideas. Just drop us a line at info@corkfilmcentre.com