NEWS AND UPDATES
WOODSHED WINS AUDIENCE AWARD
I'm delighted to share the news that our horror comedy 'Woodshed' won the Audience Choice Award at the Dark Hedges Film Festival in Northern Ireland.
This was our premiere screening and it's fantastic to see that it went down a treat with the crowd. It's a thrill ride of a movie designed to purely entertain the viewer from the first frame right through to the very gory final frame.
SOHO LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
Our short horror comedy 'Woodshed' screened at the London Soho Film Festival as part of it's Midnight Madness horror line up.
It was such a thrill to be included alongside so many other high-end horror productions. The organisers couldn't have been more accommodating to the Woodshed team.
As fantastic as it was to watch the film with a live audience, screaming and laughing at all the right moments, it was even better to network with so many creatives and producers throughout the horror community.
WOODSHED
In my early days as a director, I sought guidance from the legendary horror maestro, John Landis. He emphasised that the key to getting started is to forge your own path.
Years later, after aspiring to break into the horror genre, I heeded Mr. Landis' words and collaborated with some of the most talented individuals I know to bring 'Woodshed' to life – a short werewolf film that blends terror with humour.
As spooky season begins, the film is primed to make its mark on the global festival circuit.
Stay tuned for more updates!
THE MIRACLE CLUB TRAILER
Last year I had the incredible opportunity to work as shadow director on the upcoming feature film 'The Miracle Club'.
Directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan and starring Laura Linney, Kathy Bates and Maggie Smith, this movie promises to be something special.
Having the good fortune to observe Thaddeus at work, on set in Ardmore Studios was an invaluable experience and certainly helped me gain the confidence in scaling up to larger feature film productions.
Thanks to Thaddeus' mentorship I am now in development on my third feature film 'Cu Cailin' with the aim of having this project be produced to a similar large scale as 'The Miracle Club'.
'The Miracle Club' is set for release later this year and you can watch the wonderful trailer via the link below.
REMOTE DIRECTING FROM SPACE: MY ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY WITH NASA
As a content director, I've had some incredible experiences in my career. But nothing quite compares to the surreal experience of directing astronauts beaming in live from the International Space Station, all while I was in the comfort of my home office in my slippers.
That's right, I recently had the once in a lifetime opportunity to collaborate with Crayola and NASA on a project that took me to outer space (virtually, at least). The collaboration was a unique one - Crayola and NASA teamed up to create a series of educational videos for children that would combine art and science in a fun and engaging way.
It's a surreal experience that I'll never forget, and one that I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of.
The idea was to use the beauty and wonder of space as a backdrop for the lessons, and to have real-life astronauts teach the concepts alongside Crayola's colorful art supplies. As the director of the project, my role was to guide the filming process and make sure everything went smoothly. But this wasn't your average shoot - the astronauts were beaming in live from the ISS, which meant that we had to work around their schedule and deal with the occasional technical glitch. But despite the challenges, it was an incredibly rewarding experience.
One of the highlights for me was being able to see Earth from space through the eyes of the astronauts. We were able to capture some breathtaking footage of our planet, and it was amazing to watch the astronauts interact with the beauty of the world around them. It was a reminder of just how small we all are in the grand scheme of things, and how much there is to discover and explore beyond our own little corner of the universe. But beyond the awe-inspiring visuals, what really struck me about the project was the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. By combining art and science in a fun and engaging way, we were able to spark curiosity and inspire a new generation of explorers. And the fact that we were doing it from space - a place that captures the imaginations of so many - made it all the more special.
As a director, I've had some amazing opportunities in my career. But directing footage straight from outer space is definitely one for the books. And while I'm sure there are other directors out there with impressive showreels, I can safely say that I'm one of a very small pool of directors who can claim to have footage straight from the ISS in theirs. I surreal experience that I'll never forget, and one that I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of.
VIRTUAL STAGE PRODUCTION
Producing a commercial can be a challenging but exciting experience, and my recent collaboration with Armchair & Rocket, Navigator Blue, Aura Studios, and Outpost to produce a commercial for the Department for the Economy NI was no exception.
What made this particular project stand out, however, was the use of virtual stage production technology in Belfast Met. This technology was originally created to aid the production of the Disney+ Star Wars TV Series 'The Mandalorian'. As one of the very first commercial shoots to utilise this innovative technology in the country, our team had the opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional commercial production and explore new creative avenues.
With the help of virtual stage production technology, we were able to create stunning visuals and dynamic scenes that would have been impossible to achieve using traditional methods.
Virtual stage production technology allows filmmakers to create high-quality, immersive environments that blend seamlessly with real-life footage. This innovative technology can save time and money by reducing the need for physical sets and location scouting, while also offering greater creative flexibility and control over the final product.
My collaboration with Armchair & Rocket, Navigator Blue, Aura Studios, and Outpost is a testament to the power of teamwork and the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of commercial production. By embracing new technologies and techniques, we were able to produce a truly exceptional commercial for the Department for the Economy NI that stands out in a crowded marketplace.
DK VIDEO PARTNERSHIP
I am delighted to announce that I have successfully secured a production deal between DK, a global publishing powerhouse, and Makematic, an innovative educational video company.
This partnership will involve the creation of 500 original videos based on an initial order of 50 videos that I wrote, produced, directed, and brought to life through my carefully crafted format, animation style, and secured voice cast. I am proud to say that the project was delivered on time and within budget, thanks to the efforts of a hardworking team of animators and production staff.
I am confident that this partnership will prove to be highly beneficial for Makematic, and I am thrilled to have been able to secure this opportunity for them.
With their expertise and track record, I believe they can now produce content that will resonate with audiences and enhance the learning experience for students worldwide.
LIVE HERE LOVE HERE CHRISTMAS COMMERCIALS
I recently had the pleasure of directing three of these Christmas themed commercials, featuring Al and Daz, for Live Here Love Here.
Huge thanks to Armchair & Rocket for this opportunity.
Check out the first of these below.
SPEEDO OUTSIDERS CLUB
I was very lucky to have spent the last few days working with Pentland Brands and Speedo on new content for the Speedo Outsiders Club.
Huge thanks to all involved for such a fun and wonderful shoot. It was a real treat to get to watch the sun rise and set along the Northern Ireland coast as we worked.
Can’t wait to see and share the end result.
PANI BEST ADVERT 2022 AWARD WIN
'Live Here Love Here', a TV commercial I directed earlier this year, has just won an award for Best Advert at this years PANI Awards!
Every year, PANI aim to promote and celebrate excellence within Northern Ireland's publicity industries.
This win is a wonderful way to wrap up what has been a very productive and successful year.
A huge thanks to the team at Navigator Blue and Armchair & Rocket for giving me the opportunity to direct this brilliant ad.
We shot the commercial in a field with a cow and a puppet. It sounds crazy on paper, but it was a lot of fun to shoot and the reaction that the finished piece got from the audience was terrific. It just goes to show that you can wonders with the right team behind you who all share the same creative vision.
WOODSHED - NEW HORROR MOVIE, COMING SOON
I spent the month of November 2022 directing an upcoming horror short film, 'Woodshed'.
Inspired by some of my all-time favourite horror movies (An American Werewolf in London, Evil Dead, The Lost Boys), this upcoming project is perhaps the most exciting one I have ever worked on.
For years now I have always wanted to move more towards directing genre, with horror being my favourite. To have had this opportunity is one that I don't take for granted.
Here's hoping you all get to see it on the festival circuit in 2023.
UPCOMING CHRISTMAS COMMERCIALS
I had the great pleasure of directing three upcoming Christmas commercials with this merry band of mischievous puppets.
Massive thanks to the team at Armchair & Rocket for allowing me this fantastic opportunity.
I look forward to sharing these once they're ready.
POGONOPHOBIA WINS ‘BEST IRISH SHORT’ AT INAUGURAL ACHILL ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL
As Constant Motion Pictures’ latest short film nears the end of its festival run, we are delighted to announce that Pogonophobia, directed by Thomas Ryan and written by Damian Ryan, won Standout Irish Short Film at this year’s inaugural Achill Island Film Festival.
Taking place from 20-22 May in the dramatic Atlantic setting of Ireland’s largest island, the Achill Island Film Festival played host to over 100 feature and short films screened in a variety of local venues to enthusiastic filmgoers eager to see the latest work by indie Filmmakers.
The short comedy revolves around Cyril, a reclusive, young man who must overcome his fear of beards and find the courage to embrace life and the world outside. It stars Abe Smyth, Tara Flynn, Jenny Lee Dixon and Nikhil Dubey.
Pogonophobia was well received by audience members attending the Sunday selection of short films in Gielty’s Pub and was awarded one of the top prizes at the awards ceremony later that day.
Producer, Victor McGowan, was in attendance along with DOP, Donal Canavan, and writer, Damian Ryan.
The win in Achill caps off a successful run that included awards such as Best Cinematography in Toronto and Best LGBTQ Short in Berlin and Hollywood. The film also screened at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
“I would like to thank the judges, organisers and audience at the inaugural Achill Island
Film Festival. This a wonderful award to win and such a very special festival. It’s truly an honour.”
- Thomas Ryan (Director)
“The perfect spot to round off our festival run. Thank you Achill! “ – Damian Ryan
(Screenwriter)
“It was a very special moment for us when Achill awarded us for our quirky film and even more so that we were the first winners of their ‘Best Irish Short’ award in what I hope to be a continuing festival for years to come.”
- Victor McGowan (Producer)
Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1Frrpfu_EU
DIG DETECTIVES
Dig Detectives, a fun, exciting and educational kids TV series which Thomas edited will begin airing on Sky TV in late 2022.
Keep an eye out for it!
GAZE FILM FESTIVAL 2021
We are thrilled to share the news that our award-winning short 'Pogonophobia' can be seen next at the incredible GAZE International LGBTQ+ Film Festival at the stunning Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin on October 3rd.
Tickets and full details for this year's festival can be found at the link below.
POGONOPHOBIA WINS BEST LGBTQ AWARD
The team behind Pogonophobia are thrilled to announce that they have been awarded the Gold Award for Best LGBTQ film at the Hollywood Gold Awards in California.
This is a huge achievement for all involved and an award to be incredibly proud of.
MAKING POGONOPHOBIA
Director Thomas Ryan takes us behind the beard in his new short film Pogonophobia, which features at the Short Film Corner of the 2021 Cannes Film Festival from 12-16 July.
"Filmmaking is a collaborative process and I was very fortunate on this endeavour to be surrounded by the best in the business."
Read the article in full at Film Ireland.
http://filmireland.net/2021/06/11/thomas-ryan-director-of-pognophobia/
POGONOPHOBIA TO SCREEN AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2021
Pogonophobia, a new short Irish comedy produced by Constant Motion Pictures, written
by Damian Ryan and directed by Thomas Ryan, has been selected to screen at this
year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The film revolves around Cyril (Abe Smith), a reclusive young man who must overcome his fear
of beards and find the courage to embrace life and the world outside.
Featuring Tara Flynn, Jenny Lee Dixon and Nikhil Dubey, this independently-
produced and award-winning short has already received great praise on the festival circuit.
Produced by Victor McGowan of Constant Motion Pictures (Demon Hunter (2016), The Middle
Finger (2016)) and directed by Thomas Ryan (Twice Shy), this comedic short was written by up-
and-coming talent Damian Ryan.
Producer Victor McGowan of Constant Motion Pictures says: I knew after reading Damian’s
script that this was going to be a hit with audiences. We were very lucky that Thomas Ryan also
saw potential and came on board as director to make, what I consider to be, Constant Motion
Pictures’ best film to date. It is a real privilege to be back in Cannes with this project and serves
as a credit to the cast, crew and financial backers who made it happen.
Writer Damian Ryan on the news: I'm very excited our quirky film will be playing at the Cannes
Short Film Corner. My aunties in Korea will be over the moon!
Director Thomas Ryan: To be accepted into this year's Cannes Film Festival is a dream come
true and a testament to the incredible work of our cast and crew. It’s an honour to be included in
what is sure to be a stellar line-up of prestigious films from all around the world.
The film will play from July 12th - 16th at the Short Film Corner of the prestigious Cannes
Film Festival.
Book tickets now to see it at this year’s Fastnet Film Festival Running from the 26-30 May
www.onlinefastnetfilmfestival.com
SCREEN IRELAND SCREENPLAY DEVELOPMENT FUNDING
Thomas has just received development funding for his third feature film 'Fred and Ginger'.
Screen Ireland has announced the 27 projects selected for The Voice: a new Director Conceptual Development Fund aimed at generating exceptional screen work with the early creative leadership of a director.
The fund was opened in May in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of a suite of measures to provide practical and effective support for production companies and creative talent.
Collaborating closely with the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, The Voice was conceived as an investment in the director’s early vision to develop high-value projects for film, TV (both animation and live action) and documentary.
27 emerging and established directors’ projects have been selected for the scheme, each setting out a vision for an ambitious mixture of multiplatform formats, innovative genre projects and creative IP development. The aim of the scheme is to enable directors to create a proof of concept for a feature film or TV series ready to take to a production company or directly to the market.
Thomas' feature film comedy 'Fred and Ginger' was among the successful applicants for this scheme.