Prestigious Puttnam film scholarship programme at UCC
In keeping with University College Cork’s historically fruitful association with the creative sector and the Irish film industry, UCC has started its search for talented students.
“The creative industries represent a vital, exciting and rapidly changing field of activity; one that is now recognised as a key growth sector in the knowledge-based economy,” said Professor Patrick O’Shea, President, University College Cork.
The Puttnam Scholars programme offers six UCC students the opportunity to work with Lord David Puttnam, Oscar-winning producer of films including Chariots of Fire, The Mission, The Killing Fields, and Midnight Express, as well as former Digital Champion appointed by the Irish Government and entrepreneur in the creative industries.
Made together
This prestigious scholarship programme offers a unique mentoring opportunity for students and represents a new model of industry mentorship.
The programme will see selected students become ‘Puttnam Scholars’ for one academic year during which they will work together on a team project with compulsory attendance at a series of six video conference mentoring and coaching sessions with Lord Puttnam.
Professor Patrick O’Shea continues: ”At UCC we recognise the need to embed creative entrepreneurship into our teaching and learning programmes across all disciplines. We are hugely privileged that David Puttnam has offered to create and support these unique new scholarships – the Puttnam Scholars Programme.
“The University is grateful to David for his engagement with UCC over the past five years, and we are thrilled that he has offered to extend his role within the University in this way.”
At the end of the academic year, Puttnam Scholars will jointly produce a short film to screen as part of a presentation to Lord Puttnam and invited guests.
Committed creatives
Lord Puttnam said, “I believe that identifying and encouraging a new generation of committed ‘Creatives’ is an important national priority; it's my hope that this scheme can make a tangible difference to lives and career prospects of the UCC students selected to take part in it. I’m enormously looking forward to sharing a lifetime of experiences - good and bad – from right across the creative industries.”
Students awarded a Puttnam Scholarship will:
â— Be part of a creative process that will enhance their critical thinking and strategic acumen
â— Engage in coaching/mentoring with a multi-award-winning film producer, highly experienced entrepreneur and creative manager
â— Have an opportunity to develop and enhance their skills in team working, collaboration, negotiating and networking
â— Their CV will be enriched with ‘Puttnam Scholar’ experience giving them a competitive advantage
â— Receive a bursary of €1,500
See https://www.ucc.ie/en/cacsss/puttnam-scholarship/