Lights, camera, action as Young Irish Film Makers host open day in Kilkenny

Young Irish Film Makers are hosting an open invitation for guests to join them for their Level 4 Creative Multimedia course open day from 2 to 5pm this Friday.

“We are passionate about nurturing creative talent in the area of multimedia production”, explains Gareth Hanlon course coordinator.

"Whether you're interested in graphic design, photography, filmmaking, podcasting or web development, our course offers a diverse range of skills to unleash your creativity and prepare you for a successful career. This practical full-time course is aimed at anyone interested in exploring a future in the creative industries. Students work on projects including film, photography, graphic design, podcasting and much more as they build their skills and develop a portfolio. With a QQI level 4 award on completion.

"During the Open Day event, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the experienced staff members who are industry professionals and learn about their expertise and teaching approach. Explore the state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology, including editing suites, learning lab, and podcasting studio. Gain insight into the curriculum, opportunities, and career prospects in the multimedia field. Participate in interactive workshops and demonstrations. Connect with current students to hear about their experiences and success stories.

“This course is an excellent grounding in creative media production and an excellent progression route to further levels of education”, says Gareth Hanlon the course coordinator.

"The course is very practical from day one, with the first video creations happening in the first week. Drama, comedy, music and podcasting workshops are peppered throughout the programme. Learners can also expect a number of road trips to exhibitions, film festivals and college open days.

"The student-centred team at YIFM work with each learner to define their personal projects, which will include video, audio, photography and design. Where possible other students help you with productions, photography and other creative services. You feed into their portfolios and they into yours. It’s like a creative family scenario, “we even have a wellbeing officer on the team” to ensure learners have their best experience," he added. 

The Kilkenny City based course runs full time for 44 weeks and begins in September 2024.  The course is a full-time foundation in all things Multimedia. Every September, 20 creative people aged 16+, sign up for 44 weeks of learning through practical creative projects involving community groups, local festivals and even working with local businesses to create social media content as part of their work experience module.

The feedback we get from our students is excellent, one student in particular, forwarded this message to the staff upon completion of the course, “Thank you all so much guys the best year I’ve ever had”, explains Gareth.

Explaining the entry requirements, Gareth states, “You must be over 16 yrs (and up to 35 yrs).  It is usually Level 4 or equivalent to join us, however, the real requirement is a passion for creative media, film making, photography or graphic design.”

Specific entry requirements for QQI Level 4 programme? Applicants should have a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 3 when accessing a Level 4 programme. Applicants under 18 must be disengaged from secondary school for a minimum of three months (not including the summer months) and must provide a letter from their school confirming this. CEFR proficiency at B1 is required for access to Level 4 courses for those whose first language is not English.

What is the age range for a level 4 course? To be eligible for a LTI a person must be between the ages of 16 and 35 with either no formal qualifications or incomplete second level qualifications.

YIFM are located in St Joseph's Studios on the Waterford Road in Kilkenny.

For further details about the course contact course coordinator Gareth Hanlon on gareth@yifm.com or call 056-7764677.