Screen Industries Careers in the Spotlight as Cinemagic Launches new Education Programme
Date Posted: October 19, 2022
Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People have launched a new education and careers programme for Key Stage 3 educators and pupils in Northern Ireland. With the support of the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen, Cinemagic will work with schools and young people to profile careers in the screen industries.
The launch was held at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour which is located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge where representatives from local schools had the opportunity to find out about the programme and enjoyed a demonstration and talk about the world of Special Effects Make-Up and Prosthetics from artist Connie McGrath.
Speaking at the launch Laura McCurdy, Project Executive, Cinemagic said: “Cinemagic is passionate about inspiring and educating young people, so were as especially looking forward to this project and sharing knowledge about the exciting and rewarding career paths available in the screen industries, shining a light on the vast number of roles and disciplines within film and television. This programme will consist of industry workshops and talks, and it will assist educators in promoting subjects to students that will help them with career planning and skills development. We are particularly interested in engaging with schools in receipt of Extended Schools Funding and offering a programme that is inclusive to young people from all backgrounds promoting that there are no barriers to participation in this industry.”
David McConnell, Education and Careers Manager, Northern Ireland Screen said: “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to support Cinemagic in this new Key Stage 3 programme as it allows young people and teachers get a real insight across a growing and diversifying industry and has been specifically designed to give them real, hands-on experience with local industry professionals. Skills development is key to the growth of the screen industries in Northern Ireland, and we are grateful to the Department for Communities in being able to launch this exciting KS3 programme that provides a much needed stepping stone to our exciting careers and work experience programmes. We hope that the programme provides pupils and teachers with increased awareness and understanding of the variety of roles available and help them choose education pathways that could help fulfil their ambitions.
Emily Curran, Teacher, Dromore High School who attended the launch said: “The session with Connie the make-up artist was fun and hands-on and gave a real-world insight to the work that happens behind the camera. The supporting talk and information session about the wide array of careers within the Northern Ireland Film industry was extremely valuable, especially considering that many of our pupils go on to study Creative Digital Media at GCSE age through the OCN. The Cinemagic programme creates a concrete connection to the opportunities that are available for young people in Northern Ireland today. Our young people certainly came away feeling informed, enthused, and inspired about future possibilities that are actually within their reach.”
Brad Kelly, General Manager of Game of Thrones Studio Tour, said: “Game of Thrones created many new jobs and skills during more than a decade of filming in Northern Ireland. Game of Thrones Studio Tour has embraced the opportunity through our partnership with Cinemagic to continue inspiring young people to achieve careers in the creative industries.
“With authentic sets and screen-used props, costumes, and prosthetics, Game of Thrones Studio Tour offers a detailed insight into the remarkable and rewarding skills in the TV and film industry.”
To get involved in the programme over 2022/2023 please contact Cinemagic and email [email protected] or telephone 028 90 311 900.
