Funding helps local film makers showcase work

FILMING took place in Clondalkin this week for a short film, that sees a young boy stand up to his ‘not so nice’ imaginary friend.

‘Picture Day’ is funded by South Dublin County Council and was shot in Clondalkin at locations in St Joseph’s Boys National School and around Monastery estate.

The short film is a co-production between producer Emer Durcan of Western Front Studios, and award winning writer/director from Clondalkin Jason Branigan, of Liberty Video Film Company.

“The whole point of the funding is to support local film makers and help them get their films made.

It is also to support and include the local community,” said Ms Durcan.

The plot features a 10-year-old boy Milo (Charlie Duffy), who has an unusual relationship with an imaginary friend, played by Joe McGucken (actor and comedian).

Joe McGucken with Charlie Duffy and Fiona O’Carroll

“He is nasty to him, it is like an inner saboteur,” explained Emer.

“He manifests to look like a troll, but little by little Milo stands up to him.”

Fiona O’Carroll, who plays Milo’s mother, also has an inner saboteur, but she seems to have a better handle on her troll.

Emer says the film crew have been “blown away by the kind support from the local community of Clondalkin”.

“We owe a massive thank you, without whom the film could not be made, to Brian and Pamela at St Joseph’s Boys NS and especially the caretaker Jim who have bent over backwards to see this film happen.

Jason himself is a past pupil so this is a very special location for him.

“All of the local Clondalkin parents and children who came and acted as extras in the film. The wonderful Myler family who gave us their home in Monastery estate.

“Green Corner Catering who fed the crew. Orla Scannell and all the team at SDCC Arts office. Clondalkin gardai, the Monastery Estate Residents committee, Clondalkin Library and the Branagans.”

Plans are that the short will premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh in July.