Subotica – the Dublin based film company will produce Joyride, the feature film starring Olivia Colman which is being shot on location around Kerry these days.
This news has created great excitement and interest around the county and none more so than in Brosna where road closure notices were issued by Joyride DAC to local residents at the end of last month and under a ‘Notice of Filming’ heading.
Scenes in Brosna
Scenes are set to be shot around Brosna Village on July 19th and some road closures have been planned while ensuring a minimum of disruption to the locality.
The film has Emmy award-winning director, Emer Reynolds at its helm and the story-line follows the adventures of two very different main characters, both, in their own way, on the run.
Fourteen year old Charlie Reid has landed the role of his young life, starring opposite one of the most talented actresses in the industry and an acclaimed academy award winner.
Locals as Extras
Throughout July the production will film at an array of locations throughout the county with many locals already on board to take part as extras.
The story of the growing relationship between the two unlikely tearaways was created and written by screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan who hails from Kerry and who Kerry College are proud to claim as a graduate!
Screen Ireland in Support
Screen Ireland has supported the project throughout development and are contributing a significant portion of the production finance.
Screen Kerry, the Kerry film office, was delighted to assist the production to shoot in the county. This meant putting them in contact with local accommodation providers and businesses, highlighting local crew, linking the production to facilities and trainees and connecting them with the local film network.
Energy and Economic Impact
Siobhan O’Sullivan, Kerry Film Development officer, described how important it is to have productions of this quality shooting in the county.
“The energy and economic impact that a production brings to a locality can’t be underestimated. “This film is providing opportunities for local trainees and entry level crew to gain experience while working in a highly professional environment.
“We’re thrilled to have Joyride shooting here this Summer and look forward to bringing far more productions to the county,” said Ms. O’Sullivan.
Keogan Pushed for Kerry
Ailbhe Keogan pushed for the film to be made in Kerry, both as the screenwriter and as a board
member of Kerry International Film Festival, part of whose remit is to foster film creativity, industry and appreciation in Kerry.
“Siobhan and I worked closely to attract this production to Kerry,” said Ms. Keogan.
“Despite its outstanding beauty and the fact that the story is set here does not guarantee the production can be filmed in a regional setting.
“Screen Kerry did colossal work to ensure we could compete favourably with the East coast,” she said.
Smooth Transition Assured
Stakeholders in the county, including: Kerry College Monavalley; Kerry County Council and Creative Ireland were highly supportive of bringing the production to Tralee.
Kerry County Council Arts Office, economic development office and county area engineers provided swift assistance at all points ensuring a smooth transition into the county for the production.
Welcome from Cathaoirleach Moloney
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney, welcomed the production team to Kerry and said he is delighted that Kerry County
“Hosting a feature film on location in the county provides great opportunities and experience for those involved in the creative industry locally as well as affirming Kerry’s reputation as a great location for the film industry.
“I wish everyone involved in the production all the very best,” said Cathaoirleach Moloney.
Kerry College Production Base
Kerry College Monavalley was able to facilitate the production in setting up an on-campus production base, fully in line with public health advice. This meant the production had the space required to organise the shoot while students were immersed in a real world pre-production environment, gaining invaluable experience.
Great Opportunity for Learners
The college saw this as a great opportunity for learners on the nationally recognised broadcast production skills course and were delighted to facilitate this handshake with industry.
This traineeship has been delivering job ready new entrants to the film industry for over thirty years.
Con O’Sullivan, campus manager – Kerry College Monavalley, described how learners on the broadcast production course have enjoyed a unique opportunity to work on what is set to be a production of international acclaim.
“This will unquestionably raise the profile of Kerry as a destination for such productions while also serving as a testament to the quality of training provided by Kerry College,” said Mr. O’Sullivan.
The next Broadcast Production Skills course starts in September 2021 and further information is available at info@kerrycollege.ie / www.kerrycollege.ie
The Kerry International Film Festival runs from October 14th to 17th 2021. Further information
available at info@kerryfilmfestival.com / www.kerryfilmfestival.com
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on…Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
