Appointment made to new role of Film Resource Officer at Offaly County Council
Offaly County Council has today (Tuesday) announced the appointment of Darren Lee to the position of Film Resource Officer based within the Council's Arts Office.
The FilmOffaly Development Resource Officer is a temporary post to deliver a project co-funded by the Government and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme.
The aims of the role are to grow and diversify the film sector in Offaly, as well as adding cultural and economic value to the local community.
Mr Lee said his appointment represented a great opportunity to attract filmmakers to Offaly, as well as supporting local talent and craftspeople who want to work in the screen industry.
"We hope to create a thriving community of local artists, raising the profile of film in the county," he said.
"It's an exciting chance to build on FilmOffaly's work so far and create something that the whole community can benefit from."
One of his first tasks is to add to FilmOffaly's database of potential film locations within the county.
"We’ve already got a lot of unique locations on our database, but we are always looking out for more," he stated.
"It might be that you know of a building or a location that could be the next star of the screen- be it your home, workplace, or bar. If it's distinctive, or has a bit of character, we'd love to hear from you.”
Dr Sally O'Leary, Arts Officer, Offaly County Council, said: "The funding provided by the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027, that has enabled the appointment of a film resource officer for the term of the project, is hugely welcomed for the Arts and Film in County Offaly.
"It will provide an important phase in the reinvigoration and development of FilmOffaly, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
"This appointment aligns with the new Arts strategy, Celebrating Communities Through Creativity 2024-2028, and will have a substantial impact on the delivery of a number of objectives pertaining to FilmOffaly within this plan."
If you are interested in learning more, contact filmoffaly@offalycoco.ie