Future Screens NI hold First Ever Creative Industries Round Table hosted by Chair of the NI Assembly Economy Committee

The first ever policy roundtable held on 2nd of July 2020chaired by Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Chair of the NI Assembly Economy Committee was attended by 70 representatives of the Creative Industries extending across Screen, VR, AR, new and emerging technology, theatre, dance, art and craft.

The Chair of the Economy Committee, Dr Caoimhe Archibald opened the event noting the timeliness of the round table on the Creative Industries within the context of the ongoing Covid-19 Crisis, but also in the context of the development of a strategy for Economic Recovery.   The Chair pointed towards the need to look ahead and to consider and work for the future we want for both the creative and regional economy.  The Chair referred to the strength of the creative economy pre-covid and the potential for the creative industries to act as a hotbed for innovation with fast developing technologies which apply the creative approach to some of our most pressing societal challenges including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Rendering, Med Tech, Pain, Movement, Tourism, Inclusion, Conflict Transformation and Smart Cities.   The Chair noted the role of Future Screens NI and partners in supporting the success of the region and continuing to stimulate recovery during the crisis.

Professor  Paul Moore Director of Future Screens NI noted the publication of the UK Research and Development Road Map which has highlighted the role of the Creative Cluster Programme in transforming the extent and quality of interactions between leading research-intensive universities and creative businesses, bringing together world-class research talent from across the UK in a first-of-its-kind R&D investment. A key focus of Future Screens NI is to develop the creative industries to become the new heavy industries within the NI context.  Building on the opportunities for growth and economic return.

Professor Moore explained that the Creative Industries have experienced rapid expansion and form an essential aspect of the local economy Gross Value Added (GVA) for the creative industries was £1,088 million in 2017, representing 2.7% of Northern Ireland’s total GVA.  In absolute terms, GVA for the creative industries increased by 8% between 2016 and 2017 (£1,008 million to £1,088 million), compared to a 5% increase for total GVA. Overall, GVA for the creative industries has generally increased over the trend period from 2010 to 2017.  There are currently 25,000 jobs within the local creative economy.  Since it’s inception Future Screens NI have invested Future Screens NI have invested £5.1mn in the local creative economy.  £3.9mn of which is private investment and £1.3mn of which has been invested by Future Screens NI.  This investment has stimulated more than 90 live R&D projects and created 179 high level jobs operating at the forefront of innovation both locally and globally.

The recent Covid-19 will have generated significant challenges and opportunities for the local creative economy.  Oxford Economics have predicted a significant downturn for the Creative Industries in the context of the recent ongoing crisis predicting a UK wide GVA shortfall of £29bn and are predicting significant job losses.  It is essential that local creative industries continue to advance and thrive and that positive examples of resilience in the context of Covid-19 are harvested and lessons for future challenges are identified.  Professor Moore raised the point that it is essential the challenges facing theatre, public venues, the film and tv industry and freelance workers are fulling examined.  He also noted that the need to identify  the challenges and opportunities which are emerging for those working within animation, gaming and new, immersive and emerging technology. 

Future Screens NI have acted pro-actively within the NI context to identify and resolve challenges presented at the initial stages of the Covid-19 crisis including investing in 32 projects addressing the challenges of Covid-19 and providing financial support to free-lancers.  The region has generated significant innovation in the context of Covid-19 in the areas or connectivity, education, community building, and innovation in med- As the region transitions from lock down it is essential that recovery is stimulated and maintained.  The Creative Industries will play an essential role in both the recovery and the economic and digital transformation of the region.

Professor Moore highlighted that it is essential that the Executive recognise the significance of the creative industries and ensure that the sector is front and centre within the formation and implementation of Economic Strategies, Economic Recovery Plans particularly in the context of Covid-19 and that the strength and credibility of the Creative Industries informs Economic Policy Making.Overall the Executive, the Assembly and industry working must work in partnership to put creative industries at the heart of the growth agenda, recognising the importance of the growth sector to the regional economy,  ensuring a business, regulatory and fiscal (while recognising local fiscal limitations) environment that encourages the creation of, investment in and commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) assets, to  creative businesses can start up, succeed and grow.  Essential to this is ensuring that the creative industries are supported at all levels of government and across all departments particularly the Department of the Economy.   The sector has a significant role in delivering the economic dividend from the transition from conflict.

Professor Cathy Craig provided a presentation on the innovative research and development programme which is currently being advanced by INCISIV in the area of Action Intelligence, brain function and neural fitness.  The modular platform developed by INCISIV extends through elite fitness, neural fitness, health and brain function employing VR Environment and sensors, analytics engine and advanced performance insights which can be employed to measure and understand the impacts of concussion. 

https://incisiv.tech/

Professor Craig noted that there is an opportunity post COVID-19 to capitalise on the power of immersive technologies to change the ways in which events are experienced and content consumed (e.g. sports, theatre, live music) but the ways in which children are educated and how adults learn. The last 4 months has stimulated a complete rethink regarding the use of technology to support the ways in which we as a society live, work and play. This should be capitalised upon and harnessed.  Immersive technologies are an enabler - but content will always be ‘King’ or ‘Queen’. For example, engagement with telephones and tablets is content driven.  It is what is watched upon them or experienced using them that drives their utility.  It is essential that NI builds capacity in terms of helping and supporting those who wish to create new types of digital content that will exploit the power of immersive technologies. Whilst The Digital Catapult exists  it is currently not in a position to support and develop the technical expertise required in order to ensure that immersive technologies are utilised to their full capacity. For example the Digital Catapult is not currently in a position to drive content creation. Initiatives such as The Pixel Mill which is a joint project between NI Screen and Future Screens NI is an essential incubator which is driving forward gaming technology but It is crucial that there is a greater understanding or and investment in immersive technology applications beyond gaming.  Many of the activities stimulated by Future Screens NI are addressing this challenge but a more formal intervention from Government would be welcome.

Dr Hyojung Sun, Research Fellow in the Creative Industries at Ulster University provided a presentation (attached) on the contribution of the Creative Industries to the Economy.  Dr Sun emphasised the contribution of the UK music industry which contributed £5.2bn to the UK economy in 2018.  Dr Sun highlighted the increased demand for creative content during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and highlighted the loss of earnings for creatives particularly musicians.  Dr Sun referred to the potential for significant job losses within the creative industries as a result of the crisis.

Read Dr.Sun’s presentation here

Overall it was noted that it is essential that the Covid-19 does not slow the regional growth of the creative industries.

Emerging Filmmakers Selected for Masterclasses with Multi-Award-Winning Producer David Puttnam through the Puttnam Scholars Scheme

Future Screens NI, NI Screen, Screen Ireland and Atticus Education Announce Puttnam Scholars

Screen Skills Ireland, the skills development unit within Screen Ireland, is delighted to partner with Northern Ireland Screen, Future Screens NI and Atticus Education to offer eight individuals (four Northern Ireland residents and four Republic of Ireland residents) the opportunity to attend 6 two hour online masterclasses with Oscar-winning producer David Puttnam (MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, CHARIOTS OF FIRE, THE KILLING FIELDS).

The participants will also receive a special Scholarship from Atticus Education of €1,500 each, which they can use to further their career development. The scholarship bursaries are supported by Accenture in Ireland.

Speaking about the initiative, David Puttnam said, “This Atticus Education-Puttnam Scholars initiative with Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen is something about which I am truly excited. The series will provide participants with new ways of thinking about their careers, encouraging them to consider why the role of cinema may be ever more important during these unsettled days; days that may be filled with anxiety and change, but – with the right story to tell – also offer the possibility of renewal and hope.”

The eight participants are all up-and-coming writers, directors, or producers that have either made their first feature or television drama or are in the process of developing their first feature or television drama.

The four Northern Ireland participants were selected through a Future Screens NI initiative and the four Republic of Ireland participants were nominated by four Irish higher education institutions.

The eight participants are:

· Mark McNally – Screenwriter selected by Future Screens NI

· Grace Sweeney – Documentary Producer/Director selected by Future Screens NI

· Kiran Archarya – Documentary Filmmaker selected by Future Screens NI

· Janine Cobain – Producer selected by Future Screens NI

· Simon Doyle – Producer nominated by IADT

· David O’Sullivan – Producer/Director nominated by TU Dublin

· Laura O’Shea – Actor/Writer/Director nominated by Limerick School of Art and Design

· Sean Clancy – Director nominated by Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

The Atticus Education Puttnam Scholars masterclasses will be online and fully interactive. They are designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the creative process, and the cultural context within which the screen industries operate. Across the six masterclasses, David Puttnam will explore the following themes:

1.     The Origin: Why does film matter?

2.     The Power of Identity: How can film make the personal universal?

3.     From Plot to Premiere: How a small idea can make its way to the screen, using the case-study of Local Hero.

4.     The Evolution of Creativity: How to cultivate ideas and innovation on set

5.     Music and Meaning: How do you know what you want your film to sound like?

6.     Interpreting the Future: How ongoing changes across the screen industries have been accelerated by the global pandemic.

Commenting on the scheme, Désirée Finnegan, CEO of Screen Ireland said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Northern Ireland Screen, on the exciting Atticus Education-Puttnam Scholars initiative, which provides a unique opportunity for emerging creative talent to learn from acclaimed and visionary Oscar-winning producer David Puttnam. This initiative is a great example of innovation in sectoral learning that is more relevant than ever in these times, as the masterclasses will all be online and fully interactive. We are very proud to support this programme and wish the participants every success as they develop their careers.

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said; “We are delighted to be working with Screen Ireland and Future Screens NI on the Puttnam Scholars initiative which offers eight emerging filmmakers an exceptional opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business, David Puttnam. Opportunities like this are needed more than ever in the current climate. Access to an industry heavyweight like David is invaluable at this early stage of their careers. We wish all the participants every success.”

Cinemagic ‘home’ filmmaking opportunity for 12-25yr olds launched in partnership with Future Screens NI

Young creatives aged 12-25 are being sought for the Cinemagic and Future Screens NI Filmmaking initiative ‘HOME’, which will take place online from July-October 2020. In light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Cinemagic wishes to give a platform to young people to share their experiences of life spent at home during lockdown. The initiative will be delivered in three phases including learning about the discipline of filmmaking from industry professionals, practical filmmaking, and film exhibition as part of the Cinemagic Online Film Festival in October. The opportunity will equip young people with insight and knowledge about the world of film and filmmaking and it will enable participants to take what they have learned and put their skills and talent into practice, culminating in a celebratory event to mark their achievements.

Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE commented “We can’t wait to get started on the ‘HOME’ filmmaking project in partnership with Future Screens NI. The partnership will enable Cinemagic to inspire and educate young people through the vehicle of filmmaking.

We will offer special training and skills development to a group of young creatives to ignite ideas and help them turn their ideas into short films on their interpretation of the theme of ‘Home’. The theme has been chosen as the population has spent more time in their homes over the last three months because of the Covid-19 Pandemic and we want to provide an outlet to tell young people’s stories and share their individual experiences through moving image. These original productions will be screened in-competition and celebrated at this year’s Belfast Cinemagic Film Festival in the autumn and showcased at Cinemagic festival events in 2021.”

Director Future Screens NI, Professor Paul Moore added “The importance of the work which Cinemagic does for young people and the film industry is well known and recognised. This creative and skills-based work becomes even more important in a time where the digital industries can play a major role in rethinking how young people can be enabled to learn and develop talents which will facilitate entry into the moving image professions. It is a privilege to be able to support this work and partner with Cinemagic and the young people who will be involved in the “Home’ project. I am convinced it will bring a new level of meaning to the term ‘working from home’ and cannot wait to see the imaginings which emerges.”

To sign up for the project, which is free of charge, 12-25yr olds from Northern Ireland are asked to submit an online registration form to info@cinemagic.org.uk by 5pm on 18 July 2020. 

Further details will be provided after registration. To note, participants will require

-Access to a computer or mobile phone to take part in zoom video calls/webinars

-A device in which you can film with (iPhone /smart phone/ small DSLR.)

-Access to a computer with editing facilities. Some free options are Lightworks (Windows + Mac) / iMovie (Mac only). https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-free-video-editing-software/

18th July | Deadline to Apply

20th July | Successful applicants notified

PHASE 1

27th July | Introductory Masterclass

30th July | Industry Production Masterclass 1

3rd August | Industry Production Masterclass 2

6th August | Industry Production Masterclass 3

There will be specific production masterclasses for 12-17 yr olds and 18-25 yr olds and parent/guardian permission is required for under 18s. Phase 1 will run from 27th July to 6th August.

Times to be confirmed and dates subject to change.

PHASE 2

6th August | Cinemagic set the brief for the practical filmmaking

18th September | Deadline for films to be submitted

PHASE 3

October | online film festival, feedback and awards ceremony.

 Ends://

Press Information: Claire Shaw, Cinemagic Press Officer, claire@cinemagic.org.uk

Rainbow Dancers - A Partnership with MMD Studios, Future Screens NI, Id Company, and Ryan Jenkins

Claire McMahon Mooney founder of MMD Dance Studios has teamed up with Future Screens NI and world-renowned choreographer Ryan Jenkins to develop Rainbow Dancers.  Rainbow Dancers is a project which has allowed hundreds of children and young people from Lurgan and Craigavon to continue their dance education safely at home, alone together.  This initiative has provided children and young people and their families the opportunity to remain connected during the crisis.  Rainbow Dancers has encouraged 100s of children and families to stay home and save lives during the ongoing crisis.

The Rainbow Dancers programme which is delivered via MMD online offers 10 classes per week which ballet, street dance and contemporary, toning and dance fitness.  As a mum of 3, Claire quickly adapted her kitchen into a dance studio and delivers classes at home via Zoom.  Classes are delivered in partnership and accredited with iD Company which is the UK’s top independent Contemporary and Street Dance and Teacher Training Organisation founded by World Renowned Choreographer Ryan Jenkins. 

“'iD-Company pushes boundaries for excellence with leading choreographers of our generation and is a ground breaking movement that will nurture the talent of tomorrow."

Founder, Ryan Jenkins

MMD Studios was founded in 2012 and has more than 200 students.  Founder Claire McMahon Mooney has always been conscious that the costs of attending multiple classes could have significant negative impacts upon local family budgets.  The majority of dancers attending MMDs are from low income families.  MMD is built on the ethos of ensuring that each dancer can develop their talent without cost acting as a barrier.  Claire has offered access to her full online dance programme at a maximum costs of £10 per month.  Claire’s main objective has been to keep her dance community, connected, safe and dancing through the crisis.

MMDS serves the community of Lurgan and Craigavon which exhibits high levels of deprivation and significant health inequalities.  Dance is recognised as having positive impacts upon health and wellbeing, improving mental health and reducing suicide risk (Canning et al., 2017).  Access to dance education is therefore more pertinent in the context of Covid-19.  The MMDS model is heavily built upon face to face approaches in the delivery of dance classes.  MMDS has developed a community building approach centred upon the development of friendship both within and between families. The Covid-19 crisis has removed the capacity for MMD to deliver this model routinely.  Founder Claire McMahon Mooney acted quickly in response to Covid-19 and halted the physical provision of dance classes prior to the closure of schools in NI.  MMDS focused immediately on the transition to virtual dance lessons delivered within an interactive environment.  Virtual dance lessons present a mechanism for the ongoing advancement of technique and mastery of dance. 

“Funding from Future Screens NI has allowed me to continue to provide dance education and to connect with my dancers and their families.  Covid-19 caused the immediate collapse of my business.  The capacity to offer high quality dance education in partnership with iDcompany has ensured that MMD studios not only survived the crisis but has become more innovative and grown.  I am very proud to be working at the forefront of dance education supported by Future Screens NI.  Most importantly as a dance community we are more connected than ever”

Claire McMahon Mooney, Founder MMD Dance Studios

“When Covid-19 hit the region, it was very strange and stressful.  We didn’t know that Rose’s last day at pre-school was her last day.  She  lost the capacity to connect with her friends and learn in group setting.  There were no more swimming and dance lessons, all of which she loved. Claire contacted me about online classes and we immediately signed up.  In the early days of the crisis we found ourselves laughing and connecting as a family as we had to take the classes at home too to ensure that Rose felt comfortable.  This changed our experience of the crisis.  We had a fun activity to do each day at home and our daughter could connect with other children her age.  Her dance has improved significantly.  I have no doubt that Claire’s classes improved our health and wellbeing and significantly reduced our anxiety in the early days of the crisis. I do not know what we would have done without her.  We could also exercise safely at home which ensured we stayed at home.  There were droves of people passing our front gate.  It was frightening to go outside, so instead we stayed in and danced!”

Mum of Róise 3, MMD Dancer

Claire is working hard in preparation for the reopening of MMDs.  Claire has mapped out her studio to ensure that when it is safe to open each dancer with have a six foot dance space.  Claire has been educating her dancers that if “We are to keep safe we must keep a distance”.

Supporting Communities In Crisis During Covid-19 to Stay Home and Save Lives

A Partnership between Relapse Pictures, Belfast City Council, Clonard Residents Association, Department for Communities and Future Screens NI

Award Winning Documentary Maker Dr Seán Murray of Relapse Pictures recently completed his PhD at Queenʼs University Belfast, a key partner of FSNI. Seán and his company won the 2019 Royal Television Society Award for Best Documentary. When the Covid-19 Crisis hit, Seán transformed his film studio into a Hub to provide food and support to families across Belfast. The actions of Seán, volunteers and partners have ensured that 100ʼs of children, families, vulnerable people and older people have had access to food and support and have remained connected during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis supporting people to stay home and save lives.

Sean is also working with Future Screens NI to assist communities to remain connected. In particular he is broadening access to technology and encouraging residents to share their stories of the crisis.

“Iʼm recently widowed living alone with COPD. I havenʼt left the house in weeks. At the start of this I felt frightened and alone. My family live all over Ireland and are not close by. They are doing their best but could not get to me every day. Seán from Relapse Pictures has delivered food, checked in on me and helped me stay safe well. I donʼt know what I would have done without them.”

Belfast Resident, aged 73

“Our project hopes to understand the narrative within local communities in the context of Covid 19 in order to shape the way we both think and prepare for similar, future events. Key to this is how we technologise our connectedness and shared experiences in reinforcing social cohesiveness for the most vulnerable. We are a grassroots production company embedded in the local community and this funding will go a long way to making a difference in the current economic climate.”

Dr Seán Murray, Award Winning Documentary Maker, Relapse Pictures