16th August 2019: Virgin Media has today announced the five projects who have been shortlisted for their Virgin Media Discovers Competition from over 600 submissions. Ranging from themes of marginalisation in society to an individual’s yearning for a different life, the shortlisted projects really cover a wide range of storytelling viewpoints. Below is more information on each of the five shortlisted projects :

 

And Taxes (Natasha Waugh) - A comedy short about a young woman who reads her own obituary in print. She soon finds out the world believes she has died and can’t easily prove that she’s still alive

 

Breech (Harp Media)  -  Paudie, a bachelor farmer of simple pleasures. All day, he happily takes care of his cattle. At night, curtains firmly drawn, Paudie transforms into a beautiful woman, and dances alone. 

 

Innocent Boy (Cluster Fox Films) - The story of  a young deaf Traveller boy’s love of his horse and the freedom he feels riding him bareback, in a silent world of unconditional acceptance. 

 

No Way, Not Me (Sharon Mannion) – Lynn, a mid-30’s mother of two struggling to keep it all together. On the surface, she has it all. But she’s suffering internally. A comedy-drama which offers a sideways glance at parenthood, and the Irish reluctance to accept our mental health.

 

Teatime (Avalon Films) – Widowed Maureen Boyle (70s) loves her own space. She’s dedicated to the Tidy Towns committee and deeply concerned about her image in the village. How far will she go to control her family and retain control of her image? 

 

Adrian Dunbar, Actor and Virgin Media Discovers judge said: 

 

“I’d just like to say well done to our 5 shortlisted projects for getting to this point. The calibre of their submissions is simply fantastic. Their stories cover important and topical themes such as conforming with societal norms, the pressure to ‘have it all’ and the trials and tribulations of an ordinary life. It’s going to be an even tougher decision to select our overall winner but I’m blown away by the quality of each of the submissions.”

 

Paul Farrell, Vice President of Commercial at Virgin Media, said: 

 

“I personally want to congratulate each of the five projects who have made it to the shortlist. We have been absolutely amazed at the level of entries and the incredible talent and ideas that have been submitted. The Virgin Media Discovers Short Film competition can provide the jumping-off point for major writing and directing careers. As Ireland’s leading connected entertainment provider and commercial broadcasting company, we celebrate original storytelling. We’ve said it before, Ireland’s creative industry is an economic and cultural powerhouse. The high volume of entries to our competition was a clear indication and magnet for top industry professionals and aspiring screenwriters who pitched their narratives.”  

 

The ultimate winner will be announced next week and is due to win €35,000 worth of investment to fund the production of a 10 minute short film, which will then be broadcast on Virgin Media Television, Virgin Media On Demand and screened at the Virgin Media International Film Festival 2020.  

 

Join the conversation online @VirginMediaIEPR

 

ENDS-