Connemara production company is now film and television training hub
An offshoot of one of the most successful television production companies in the west has been announced as the lead on one of three new Film and TV Crew Hubs across Ireland.
Atlantic Academy in An Spidéal, was founded by Siobhán Ní Ghadhra and John Brady, who operate Danú Media and are co-producers of TG4’s Ros na Rún.
They were confirmed this week as one of three regional hubs – along with Limerick and Wicklow – established to create technical crews for the film and tv sector which is currently experiencing unprecedented demand in screen production activity in Ireland.
Atlantic Academy will specifically cover Galway, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan.
Atlantic Academy has also established Atlantic Studios, which is at planning permission stages in the development of the former Galway Airport hangars, as state-of-the-art film and TV studios.
This new Film and TV production training company, Atlantic Academy will deliver training programmes of international standards in Irish and English for Film and TV production crews.
Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, CEO of Atlantic Academy and Co-Executive Producer of TG4’s Ros an Rún, said they were thrilled to be chosen as one of the three crew hubs.
“We see the absolute need to develop and expand the talent pool. We also plan to respond to the industry requirements, by providing bespoke and inclusive training programmes,” she said.
“Training for Irish language productions will also be a priority for Atlantic Academy. This is an excellent and much needed response and creates future viability, jobs and career possibilities in the Film and TV Sector,” she added.
And in a double boost, Atlantic Academy has also been appointed by TG4 to run their 14-week intensive training and skills-based programme – including a four-week work placement.
This practical programme, delivered by Atlantic Academy, in association with Gréasán na Meán Skillnet and the National Talent Academy Film & TV Crew Hub, will showcase practical and creative skills and will equip participants with the ability and appetite for a career in the rapidly growing Irish TV and Film sector.
The programme is free to participants, and they will paid a subsidy whilst partaking in the training programme.
This course will be delivered by Atlantic Academy from its base at An Cuasnóg in An Spidéal, which is also home to Ros na Rún. The course directors are offering twelve places on the programme which will commence on March 21. Applications are required by Friday, February 25.