A BRAND NEW INITIATIVE FOR INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION COMPANIES

Over 24 – 26 April, some of the biggest names in the broadcasting and film world will descend on Swansea for the Celtic Media Festival 2013. The 3-day festival will feature a packed programme of events and talks by some of the leading names in media, and today organisers have unveiled details of a brand new initiative designed to provide industry guidance to independent production companies – The Clinic.

Sponsored by MEDIA Antennae Galway, Scotland and Wales, The Clinic will offer indie film makers and producers a rare opportunity to meet with commissioners and channel heads from the Celtic nations and regions to discuss ideas and obtain their feedback as they seek to develop new projects. For the first time in its 34-year history, the Celtic Media Festival will be offering film makers and producers the chance to sign up for one to one sessions with commissioners, creating the invaluable opportunity for them to meet with the brightest and best from the major broadcasters and funders from the Celtic nations and regions, and benefit from their advice.

The following broadcasters and funders will participate in The Clinic, and offer their advice to indie production companies: Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Ulster Scots Broadcast Fund; RTÉ Television and Radio; TG4; BBC Wales; S4C; BBC Scotland; BBC ALBA; BBC Southwest and BBC Northern Ireland.

Judy Wasdell, manager of Media Antenna Wales said: “MEDIA Antennae Galway, Scotland and Wales are delighted to support the Celtic Media Festival in 2013.

We are particularly excited to be involved with the The Clinic since we recognise the importance of producers obtaining valuable feedback from broadcasters and funders on their projects early on.

Representatives from MEDIA Antennae Galway, Scotland and Wales will be on hand during the Festival to answer queries on the MEDIA Programme and how it may support your company.”

Domhnall Caimbeul, Chairman of the Celtic Media Festival, said: “As we enter into our 34th year, we remain committed to promoting the unique languages and cultures of the Celtic nations and to championing and fostering excellence on screen and in broadcasting. We’re extremely proud to announce our brand new initiative The Clinic, which very much embodies this ethos and which we hope will be a source of inspiration and a valuable opportunity for independent production companies and film-makers.”

Last month, the Celtic Media Festival announced that over 100 productions from more than 60 production companies and broadcasters have been shortlisted for the prestigious Bronze Torc Awards, which celebrate the finest films, TV and radio productions, and digital media to emerge from the Celtic nations and regions over the past year, and which will be presented at this year’s festival. Shortlisted entries include Sport Wales: A Tribute to Gary Speed, BBC Wales Sport’s moving tribute to the former player and Wales manager. BBC Northern Ireland’s documentary This World: Shame of the Catholic Church is nominated in the Current Affairs category for its investigation into child abuse claims.

News International’s Director of Communications (and former Communications Director for Boris Johnson) Guto Harri is the first name to be confirmed for the 2013 festival programme. He’ll speak about his career in media and shaping media at this year’s festival, with further details on the Celtic Media Festival 2013 programme (as well as full details of the commissioners and channel heads representing the broadcasters and funders participating in The Clinic) due to be unveiled on 14th March.

Delegate registration for Celtic Media Festival 2013 is now open. To register as a delegate and for further information on the history of the festival and the shortlist for the Bronze Torc Awards, please visit: www.celticmediafestival.co.uk

Source: Celtic Media Festival