Jump-starting Low-Budget
Catalystproject is a new mentored scheme for producing low-budget feature films. Lir Mac Cárthaigh introduces it.

Ireland has a long tradition of making feature films for little or no money, and many of the results have been more satisfying than the bigger-budget indigenous films. But those embarking on making a first independent feature can find it involves a punishingly steep learning curve. After many years of gestation, a collection of Ireland's best and brightest in the area of moving images are ready to announce a new project that aims to make those first steps a little easier.

Catalystproject is a mentoring scheme devised by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board, FÁS Screen Training Ireland, Filmbase, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, TV3, and the Arts Council, that will culminate in the total financing of three low-budget (€250,000) feature films. The scheme is open to prospective screenwriters, producers and directors who have some experience in making short films, television drama, music videos, or television commercials. What sets the scheme apart from a mere funding opportunity is firstly the series of seminars conducted by experienced low-budget filmmakers and industry professionals, which will help stimulate the creativity of the participants and help them realise their vision in a practical way. Secondly, mentoring of each team by industry practitioners during the productions themselves gives the programmme a value far beyond simply financing the films.

The full article is printed in Film Ireland 115.