Reel New Ross

Reel New Ross is a youth film project, based in St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, Co. Wexford aimed at providing an opportunity for young people aged 12 – 18 to be involved in every element of filmmaking. Reel New Ross was initiated during 2005 as a partnership initiative between the Arts Department of Wexford County Council, The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and St. Michael’s Theatre. Filmmaker Terence White currently directs the programme. To date over 300 young people throughout the county have participated in Reel New Ross.   

The Aims of Reel New Ross Are:

• To provide an opportunity to strengthen the base for Youth Arts participation within County Wexford
• To strengthen the position of film within the context of the County Arts Programme
• To create increased access to film making
• To train young people in the art of the film making process
• To facilitate creativity in young people  

Current Programme Schedule  

• Scriptwriting courses
• Introductory courses for new participants
• Spring/Summer film production course
• Autumn/Winter film production course

In addition to the programme based in St. Michael’s Theatre, Reel New Ross also works in partnership with various communities throughout the county in facilitating outreach film projects for young people. These communities include Cottage Autism Network, Gorey Youth Needs, Ramsgrange C.D.P., Ramsgrange, Treoin Youth Diversion Programme, Wexford Area Partnership [Bunclody], Ballymurn and Campile.  

In 2009, the project received funding through The Arts Council’s Young Ensembles Scheme for an integrated youth film project. This outreach project involved young people from the Traveller and settled communities working together to create a film over a three-month period. 

Gala Premiere:
Each December there is a gala premiere of films made throughout the year in St. Michael’s Theatre. In addition to the film screenings, the young people are presented with DVDs and certificates of participation.

Film Festivals:
Reel New Ross films are submitted to national and international youth film festivals and have won several awards in 2008 & 2009. 

Films Produced During 2009:

• That’s the Spirit
• Recession Obsession
• Ad Break
• An Púca
• Boots – Gorey Youth Needs
• Smokes - Gorey Youth Needs
• Spy v. Squirrel – Cottage Autism Network
• Trick or Treat – Cottage Autism Network
• Girls in the City – Filmmaking Together Project
• Off Pitch
• Jugend Strasse
• Behind the Scenes of Reel New Ross 2009
• Blooper Reels