Dun Laoghaire's Institute of Art, Design and Technology has a wide and venerable reputation in the world of the visual arts. When it comes to film studies, the Dun Laoghaire college offers diploma and degree courses, as well as a range of courses related to work on films which come under the ambit of the department of design/communications.
Their "add-on" system of study means that, after taking an initial three-year diploma in film and video production, students have the option of pursuing a one-year degree course which will give them a BA in film and video studies, a B.Des. in film and video design, or a B.Des. in production design.
There are places for some 1820 students each year on the three-year diploma course in film and video production.
Pat Molloy, head of the department of design communications, says when taking in students, they "look for a mix which will allow us to make up two creative crews from amongst the students so as to generate and develop concepts - and then realise them together.
"This means students leave here with knowledge and experience of the collaborative process, as well as knowledge about the financial and practical end of things.
"They'll know how a production unit works and how things are done, how to approach commissioning editors and outlets. We see our students as a contribution to the development of a generic Irish film industry. We're sending out people who can generate their own productions." The diploma, Molloy says, is "well thought of and is one of the few practical courses in the country. We've been in the business of supplying the practical end for many years - this course is some eight years old."
While some of those taking the diploma cross over from related courses in the Dun Laoghaire institute, the majority are taken from the up to 600 who apply yearly through the CAO system.
"Lots of our students are film enthusiasts, smitten from early years. They see their lives in the film industry. A great many of them come to us with foreknowledge which may be about cameras, writing scripts, storyboards, whatever. The course is broad enough to allow them sort out what area they want to concentrate on, learning as they go what's best for them.
"We also take in some mature students from related subject areas and they often bring a wide breath of knowledge with them."
Putting together their own film is a "prime criteria" in the learning process in Dun Laoghaire and the results are shown in the Irish Film Centre.
"This generates a lot of interest and support from the film industry and from professional practitioners in all areas," says Pat Molloy.
The Dun Laoghaire school has "a good relationship with the independent sector" according to Pat Molloy, who are, he says, "very supportive of us".
Visiting lecturers include Eoghan Harris, a regular in script writing, and Tony Barry who talks to students about directing and working with actors. Noel Pearson and Jim Sheridan have both lectured there.
Molloy says: "Ardmore is very good about offering facilities when they can. Morgan O'Sullivan and Kevin Moriarty have been very helpful. RTE are supportive, too, when it comes to showing our shorts and staff from specific areas there - places like wardrobe and design - have been out to us.
"It's part of the college ethos that students have to learn the ropes of being a professional in the industry. There are no short cuts. We do try to get placements for students who do the diploma course, though it's not always easy."
The college's BA course in film and video studies and its B.Des. in film and video design specialises in screen writing, production, direction, cinematography, sound design and editing.
The B.Des. in production design covers design for film, video, television and theatre.
