A TALENTED Killarney movie maker has lined up a hugely impressive cast for his latest film venture which will be shot on location in the town in October.
Damian O’Callaghan, the man behind the hit short film Bouncers, has written and is directing a new feature, The Gift, which he has developed with Dublin writer Paul FitzSimons, who also wrote the screenplay.
The feature film will star Alan Devine who had roles in both Veronica Guerin and King Arthur as well as the highly-rated Una Kavanagh who starred in Garage and The Clinic.
Others to have significant parts in Damian’s new project include Fair City star Kerrie O’Sullivan and Killarney actor and writer Donie Courtney who has close links with Hollywood heartthrob Michael Fassbender.
It will be filmed at several locations in and around Killarney, including the Gap of Dunloe, Ladies View, Ross Castle and the national park with further scenes to be shot in St Mary’s Cathedral, Courtney’s Bar on Plunkett Street and on the streets of the town.
Described as an intense drama, it charts the plight of the central character, played by Devine, who encounters difficulties in life and contemplates several methods of suicide.
“I really believe that it’s a story that needs to be told with an average of 10 people every day ending their own lives in this country,” Damian told KillarneyToday.com.
While the subject matter is very serious, there is a lighter side to the plot and Damian is anxious to point out that there is also a happy element to the fast-paced drama.
A very responsible approach to the whole issue of suicide was taken by the production team who consulted with medical professionals and help group Pieta House to ensure accuracy in the storylines.
Filming will commence next month with Damian’s company, OC Productions, overseeing the action.
“This is a much bigger project than my previous film. It is feature length with a much bigger production team,” Damian said.
In addition to the actors involved, the crew will feature sound, camera, lighting, props and editing specialists and make-up staff as well as photography and promotion personnel all reporting to project production manager Noreen Bingham.
“There is a cast of 20 from Dublin, Kerry and Cork and we have almost 100 extras. This is very much a team effort and, hopefully, we get the weather to play ball as well,” said Damian, a native of Cork who has been living in Killarney for 15 years.
The 40-year-old director is a former Killarney jarvey and part-time bouncer who went on to complete a degree in hotel and hospitality management before concentrating on scriptwriting and film production.
The Gift will hit Irish cinemas next spring.
