Oscar Nominees in Search for Young Talent
Young people interested in the creative industries are being given the chance to work alongside two local Oscar nominees to create a brand new production
Young people interested in the creative industries are being given the chance to work alongside two local Oscar nominees to create a brand new production thanks to Belfast Harbour, The Talent Tribe and Arts & Business.
Producer, writer and actor Damon Quinn, who played Cal in ‘Give My Head Peace’, and BBC Director of Photography Jim Creagh, received Oscar nominations in 2011 for their film ‘The Crush’. Along with other industry professionals they will be sharing their talents with 100 young people to develop a new performance entitled ‘Reimaging Belfast’ based on Belfast Harbour’s role in the emergence of modern-day Belfast.
The project will give participants hands-on learning opportunities in both behind-the-scenes technical skills and on-stage performance skills, from script writing to make-up, choreography and acting to screen technology.
Launching an audition workshop call Damon Quinn said:
“The Talent Tribe is a great local charity which wants to make Northern Ireland’s burgeoning creative industry accessible to as many young people as possible. There’s immense talent out there, but many of our young people don’t have the confidence to develop those skills or they’re unaware of the opportunities the sector has to offer. Over the past six years The Talent Tribe has uncovered a host of talent. This latest project with Belfast Harbour and Arts in Business will be a great opportunity to learn from those who’ve already succeeded in the industry and to create – from scratch – a professional-standard production.”
The project is looking for 100 young people to bring the production to life. Auditions – which will take the form of interactive workshops – will take place at the start of June and it’s expected that the final production will take place in Belfast Harbour Office this November. It will also be turned into a broadcast quality film.
David Dobbin, Chairman of Belfast Harbour said:
“High profile productions such as ‘Game of Thrones’, which is shot within sight of the Harbour Office, have pushed the local creative sector into the limelight. There’s much more to the sector, however, than Hollywood ‘A-listers’. The scope of jobs within the creative industries is incredibly diverse, including vocational, technical and craft elements as well as performance. The project will help identify future talent to support further growth in the sector and will also be a great opportunity for individuals to appreciate their potential and build self-confidence.”
Dennis Monaghan, Chairman of The Talent Tribe added:
“Much of The Talent Tribe’s work is focused on areas where economic and social disadvantage is prevalent, and we’ve worked with some amazing young people from difficult backgrounds who have discovered they are incredibly creative and skilled. Giving young people the chance to do something creative with professionals in a non-school setting can be a life-changing opportunity. We’re delighted that Belfast Harbour and Arts in Business have committed themselves so enthusiastically to the project.”
