Alan gilsenan mentoring rte tv essay competition

Do you feel that original thoughts and ideas are rarely represented on television? Do you have a vision of a possible future for Ireland and the wider world?

RTÉ2, in association with Yellow Asylum Films, are inviting entries for a national television essay competition which will aim to present new visions of the future, to be broadcast as a three-part series on RTÉ2 and on RTÉ.ie. In a contemporary re-take on the traditional notion of an essay-writing competition, this is a chance to articulate new thinking and to present those ideas on national television.

The series mentor is the award-winning director Alan Gilsenan, who says: ‘This is a unique opportunity for anyone, anywhere, to place new thinking about how we live and how we might shape the future right at the forefront of public discussion. It's a completely open door and we have a truly open mind. In essence, we’re looking for original ideas conveyed in an original way. These ideas can be about anything but they should stimulate the way we think and provoke considerable debate.’

Once all submissions have been received a panel will then select a shortlist for interviewing in early April. Three submissions will be selected to go into television production. The winning authors will be able to direct and/or present their vision on television. They will be given professional production support and a first-rate technical team.

These programmes might be presenter-led or narrated, highly visual or experimental – within the practical constraints of budget and time. While the brief is open-ended, radical and thought-provoking visions will be especially encouraged. This can take the form of a conventional essay, a series of cartoons, a storyboard, a piece of graffiti - anything that can conveys thought process and ideas.

Bill Malone, Channel Controller RTÉ2, said: “Innovation and supporting emerging Irish talent and the creative sector is a key element of what RTÉ2 does and this initiative provides a unique opportunity to reach out to new voices and ideas.”

To apply, post a written outline of your vision to this link: http://2116vision.ie/ The deadline for submissions is Monday 16 March 2015.