Activities

Lord Puttnam interviewed
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Following a competitive application process for the third year running, Atticus Education, Fís Éireann (Screen Ireland), Northern Ireland Screen and Future Screens NI are delighted to announce this year’s eight Puttnam Scholars.

This cross-border initiative offers promising filmmakers access to interactive online masterclasses with Oscar-winning producer David Puttnam (Midnight Express, Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields) and each a €1,250 scholarship from Atticus Education towards their career development. The scholarship bursaries are supported by Accenture in Ireland.

The eight participants (four from Northern Ireland and four from the Republic of Ireland) are all emerging writers, directors or producers who have made, or are in the process of developing, their first feature or television drama. Chosen by Future Screens NI and four Irish higher education institutions, the participants are:

  • Dee Harvey selected by Future Screens NI
  • Jules Charlton selected by Future Screens NI
  • Margaret McGoldrick selected by Future Screens NI
  • PJ Hart selected by Future Screens NI
  • Tara Hegarty, Writer/Producer, nominated by Technological University Dublin
  • Lia Campbell, Writer/Director/Producer, nominated by Institute of Art, Design & Technology Dun Laoighaire
  • Turlough Ó Cinnéide, Director, nominated by Technological University of the Shannon (formerly Limerick Institute of Technology).
  • Mark Smyth, Writer/Director, nominated by Dundalk Institute of Technology

David Puttnam said, “I’m seriously impressed with the calibre of applicants wishing to join our list of Puttnam Scholars this year. We now have eight highly qualified participants, bursting with talent and enthusiasm, and ready to embark on the next phase of their filmmaking journey with Atticus Education – I hope we do them proud!”

A 2021 Puttnam Scholar, Ali Doyle (Head of Development, Wild Atlantic) said of her experience, “Being selected as a Puttnam Scholar was both an incredible honour and an invaluable experience. Across each masterclass, not only did I learn and strengthen my knowledge in these dedicated fields, but the awe-inspiring passion of David Puttnam and each of the invited guests, acted as a reignition of why we make movies and TV, how through these audio-visual mediums, we can teach as much as we can entertain. To all the Puttnam Scholars of 2022, congratulations, you deserve this and enjoy every second of it!”

Over the course of the sessions, Lord Puttnam will explore the following themes: The Power of Identity; The Evolution of Creativity; Fact or Fiction; Builders and Brokers; Music and Meaning; and Interpreting the Future. The sessions are designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the creative process and the cultural context within which the screen industries operate.

Seminars have in the past included conversations with several special guests, each providing insights into their own careers and thoughts on the industry. Guest have included Lenny Abrahamson, Ralph Fiennes, Paul Greengrass and Mark Cousins.

Ends.

Amy Castle

Communications Lead,

Atticus Education

amy@davidputtnam.com

About Atticus Education

Atticus Education is an online education company created by film producer and educationalist, Lord Puttnam. Atticus delivers live interactive seminars to educational institutions around the world, providing high-quality resources to support learning using advance digital distribution systems. Atticus provides content relating to different aspects of the creative industries. David Puttnam is the chair of Atticus Education. He spent thirty years as an independent producer of award-winning films including The Mission, The Killing Fields, Local Hero, Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express, Bugsy Malone and Memphis Belle. His films have won ten Oscars, 31 BAFTAs and the Palme D’Or at Cannes. From 1994 to 2004 he was Vice President and Chair of Trustees at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship in 2006. He retired from film production in 1998 to focus his work on public policy as it relates to education, the environment, and the creative and communications industries. He was awarded a CBE in 1982, a knighthood in 1995 and was appointed to the House of Lords in 1997 and retired in 2021. In France he was made a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in 1985, becoming an Officer in 1992, and a Commander in 2006. He is the recipient of over 50 Honorary Degrees, Diplomas and Fellowships from the UK and overseas. http://www.davidputtnam.com/masterclass-seminars @DPuttnam