First Take is a training and development event aimed specifically at newly established film professionals, emerging filmmakers, and film and media students. Case studies and panel discussions will promote fresh thinking amongst attendees and to inspire them to be proactive in promoting their own film work.

Sessions will include: 

Exploring Script Development

An introduction to the process of script development and its integral importance in the filmmaking process, this presentation breaks down the work of the script editor, how best to interrogate story structure, character development, and the mercurial nature of script writing.

Presenter:

Chelsea Morgan-Hoffman, Development Producer, Element Pictures

Demystifying Sales & Distribution

This session demystifies the film sales & distribution process, outlining the mechanisms involved in this vital element of film production and exploitation; how it works, how to engage and work with sales agents and distributors, and how best to develop audiences and market your film.

Speakers:

Síle Culley, Distribution & Audiences Consultant

Kyle Entwitsle, Theatrical Manager, Curzon Artificial Eye

Marie Tarascon, Festivals Manager, the Festivals Agency

Chair: Patrick O’Neill, Managing Director, Wildcard Distribution

Irish Feature Film Case Study: The Last Right

The creative team behind Irish feature film The Last Right, premiering at Cork Film Festival 2019, discuss the process of getting the film from script to screen, the intricacies of making an Irish/UK co-production, and the creative process behind both writing and directing your first feature film.

Speakers: 

Aoife Crehan, Writer/Director, The Last Right

Pippa Cross, Producer, The Last Right

Paul Donovan, Producer, The Last Right

Chair: Dearbhla Regan, Project Manager, Screen Ireland

50/50 by 2020 – The Quest for Gender Parity

A panel of leading Irish and international film programmers delve into the 50/50 by 2020 initiative, the gender parity and inclusion pledge which was launched at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. What are the main challenges to enacting this agreement and where is the film festival’s place within the wider industry in balancing the gender gap?

Presented in partnership with Women in Film & Television Ireland.

Speakers:

Anna Bogutskaya, Festival Director, Underwire Festival

Fiona Clark, Director and CEO, Cork Film Festival

Diane Henderson, Deputy Artistic Director, Edinburgh International Film Festival

Fiammetta Girola, Programmer, Bergamo Film Meeting

Chair: Susan Liddy, Chair, Women in Film & Television Ireland

 First Take is supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Screen Skills Ireland

NEED FOR SPEED – FILM NETWORK IRELAND SPEED NETWORKING EVENT

Participants at First Take are entitled to FREE ENTRY to the Cork Film Festival and Film Network Ireland Speed Networking Event after First Take, at 6.30pm at our Festival Club, The Cellar Theatre. Open to FNI members and film-making professionals/creatives – come along, bring a business card and network in a friendly and professional environment.