©Image from Christopher Garrett’s film.
Christopher Garrett is a 24 year-old, aspiring and freelance film-maker from Kenmare. He has studied Psychology and Media Communications in Mary Immaculate College in UL.
After finishing that chapter of his education, he took a year to work, research and acquire equipment for film making and to establish a production company and work as a free lance videographer.
After gathering the necessary equipment he began doing small film projects for friends on the God Spare You the Health basis.
“However, this was interrupted when at a festival ‘Earthsong’ in Tipperary, I was asked to create a 12-minute documentary feature for TG4, via Open Eye Studios in Kenmare for a weekly programme ‘Duiche’. It was a great opportunity and the final piece was well received,” said Christopher.
This is by way of sign-posting the long and winding road which brought him to Scartaglin on World
Fiddle Day on May 16 just gone.
©Image from Christopher Garrett’s film.
The legacy of his visit to Scart is enshrined in his five-and-a-quarter minute film. It’s a piece of work which, if typical of what he’s about, will act as a fine inclusion on any CV he’ll send anywhere or show anyone in any company. It’s a piece of work that will mature wonderfully and go on to portray the events of a very special day in one small corner of our great little country. It’s captured with great reverence to a film-maker’s / photographer’s best friend, the light of the day – in all its guises.
“During my time trying to make it on my own, I realised I did not have enough knowledge, technical experience or contacts to enter the
©Image from Christopher Garrett’s film.
audiovisual industry. I applied to the industry training standard course in the National Digital Skills Centre Tralee. I am currently studying Broadcast Production Studies there now. It is an incredible course, the training, experience, opportunities and hands on learning have been just what I need. I am currently acting as assistant director in the upcoming film ‘Making it.’
This is written and directed by Eamon Norris and Fred O’ Connor and is being filmed in Tralee in the coming weeks,” he said.
“Traditional Irish Music and its associations are subjects close to my heart. The depth and authenticity of the Irish tradition captivates me. I have a desire to explore and understand it deeply. It is such a privilege to film such events as Kenmare’s Féile Neidín and World Fiddle Day in Scartaglin. My role gives me a privileged access to the heart of what’s happening. The camera forces me to be very aware of all things happening in my experience. I love the medium of film – it is such a diverse and free art form.
©Image from Christopher Garrett’s film.
It is my ambition to continue exploring and sharing my experiences of the rich and ancient cultural heritage of different societies through my work. My primary interests focus around culture, music, art, traditions,folklore and that which may be considered sacred by different societies,” said the focused, young film-maker.
Anyone who didn’t make it to World Fiddle Day in Scartaglin on May 16-2015 the following link will reveal a nugget of the magic of the occasion:
Christopher Garrett’s production company runs under the name of Draíochta Productions. His work can be found and viewed on his website at www.draiochtaproductions.com
Anyone interested in contacting him in regards a film project, whether promotion, informational, music or documentary his email address is draiochtaproductions@gmail.com.
