“The Dawn” Film Workshops has succeeded in achieving another first for Ireland with the arrival of world renowned cinematographer Daniel Pearl in Kerry to conduct a 5 day workshop. Among the many credits on Daniel Pearl’s CV are working on videos of all the major international music acts including U2, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson & Bruce Springsteen. His film credits include The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Friday 13th.
Supported by the INTERREG Rural Alliances Project through SKDP, The Kerry Education & Training Board, IT Tralee and the Dingle International Film Festival, The Dawn Film Workshops aim to bring top class film related training workshops to Kerry for film professionals and students alike. It is also aiming to help re-establish the region once again as a premier film location for national and international film companies thus providing a much needed economic boost, particularly off peak season.
Brian Nolan of the Kerry ETB pointed out that the National Digital Skills Centre, based in the ETB Kerry training centre is to the forefront in terms of pushing out the boundaries of the film industry in Ireland and to have Daniel Pearl over to work in the centre and to pass on his tricks in cinematography is a unique opportunity. “The centre is the first to work with RED Camera equipment in Ireland and Daniel will be using the brand new ultra high definition 6k camera for the first time during the course courtesy of RED Europe” Brian pointed out. RED’s European Ambassador Sandeep Reddy is also providing technical assistance for the workshop. There are 14 participants on this course from all over Ireland, the UK and one who has returned from Dubai in order to attend.
The workshop is also providing a welcome benefit for Kerry singer Tanya O’Sullivan as the group are shooting the music video for her song “Freak” as part of their practical hands on training. Part of this video is being shot on location at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel as well as in other locations in Kerry.
SKDP’s Rural Alliances Project Manager Seán de Buitléar said that it is a major coup to have a person of the calibre of Daniel Pearl in Kerry for “The Dawn” Film Workshop series. “This will help establish the workshops in Kerry for the future and will hopefully lead to the development of a designated Film Workshop Festival in the county” he said. Maurice Galway of the Dingle International Film Festival said that he was delighted that Daniel could impart the many tricks he has learnt down through the years to the 14 workshop participants here in Kerry. “Kerry is very strong in terms of film professionals and festivals and having this workshop series is another major positive step for Kerry” Maurice said.
Mary Lucy of the IT Tralee said that again, they are very happy to be able to support “The Dawn” Film Workshops in the county and they hope it will help provide many future job opportunities in the film industry in the county for their graduates.
