Patrick Ireland, an Old Bordenian from 2001 to 2008, has contacted us with an update on his latest film venture. His story ....
My name is Patrick Ireland and I am a student at the London Film School. I grew up in Herne Bay and attended Borden Grammar School from 2001 - 2008. I very much enjoyed my experience at Borden and was heavily involved in drama & filmmaking whilst at the school.
I am currently working on my graduation project from the London Film School; a short film entitled 'One in a Million' which will be photographed in my hometown of Herne Bay, Kent. The plot focuses on Kevin, an orphan and autistic teenager, obsessed with winning the lottery and escaping the shackles of his seaside hometown. Click here for an overview of the film: One_in_a_Million_-_Overview.pdf
To make the film, I will collaborate with the most talented young people working in film and media today. Matteo Bergamini, the founder of the independent youth news network 'Shout Out UK', will produce the film alongside Ken Rowles - a veteran of the film industry and director of the Kent Film Awards. I have attached an overview of the film if you want to learn more about it.
Just to give you a little background information on myself: I was born and raised in Herne Bay. In 2008, whilst I was still at school, I was awarded the Young Filmmaker's Award at the Swale Film Festival for my first short film, ‘Catch 21’. Since then I have continued to write and direct short films which have been screened at festivals across the country. In 2014, after completing university, I enrolled on the MA Filmmaking programme at the London Film School after being offered an academic scholarship which covered the majority of my fees. In 2015 I finished directing a short documentary entitled ‘Anonymous: A Million Men’ which was sold to ‘Shorts International Ltd’ – an offshoot of the AMC Network – for worldwide distribution and later that year I worked alongside Channel 4 and ITN Productions in producing the Youth Leaders Debate which was streamed on All 4 on the 28th of April 2015. eo Bergamini, the founder of the independent youth news network 'Shout Out UK', will produce the film alongside Ken Rowles - a veteran of the film industry and director of the Kent Film Awards. I have attached an overview of the film if you want to learn more about it.
I am currently in the midst of fundraising for the film. I need to raise a final £3, 000 in order to make the film a reality! As such, I am relying on the kindness and generosity of others in order to make the film. I was wondering if the Old Bordenian Association - or Borden Grammar School in general - might be interested in sponsoring the film by contributing a certain amount to it's production? If not would you be able to help me promote my fundraising efforts via social media and on your website? You can visit the Indie Go Go page through this link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/one-in-a-million-my-graduation-film/x/11482436#/story.
I feel like this is an important film to make as it deals with my experiences growing up as a teenager in Herne Bay (and the surrounding area). It is unique in that regard. I feel like contemporary films do not portray this part of the country and wanted to create characters and a story which felt unique to the South East in general.
This film will not only showcase Herne Bay but will also (hopefully) encourage young artists living in the area to pursue their dreams.
Thanks for your time,
Patrick Ireland (BGS 2001-2008)