CinÉireann March 2018 | Page 25

Another of the early members was Liam O'Neill who is still actively making short films.

"I've been kind of reeling in shock from the news. Although I haven't been active in Film Base for some time I've kept up my membership. I was unaware that the Arts Council had cut Filmbase's funding to that extent. I was on the Board myself for some time in the late 80's and early 90s and chaired the Board for four or five years while we made the transition from the dilapidated Quakers Meeting House to what seemed at the time space and freedom. During my time on the board, the yearly funding application to the Arts Council was always nerve wracking."

"When I joined Film Base after graduating from what was then the new film and TV course in IADT - there was nowhere else to turn. The nascent industry had been decimated by the closure of the IFB and the imposition of an advertising cap on RTE. I'm not sure if people remember those dark days but even in the run down facility that was the old Quaker Meeting House in Temple Bar, Film Base was a place to meet like minded people and to feel - even tenuously - that it was possible to make films. Without Film Base, and the people involved in it, I would've left Ireland."

"When, after repeated submissions, they finally selected our short script The Barber Shop for support I was elated. The imprimatur of the award helped us get a sound stage in Ardmore and deals from other facility houses that would otherwise have looked askance at a bunch of scruffy wannabes. The finished film traveled the world and opened many doors for me. It was also a validation for me, and many of the crew who worked on that film, that we were good enough to make films that could compete internationally. I think the short film scheme still serves the same purpose. It will be sorely missed."

"So, it's terrible news that Film Base has gone into liquidation. One may say, with the IFB now flourishing, with digital equipment easier to access alongside the advent of crowdfunding, that Film Base has passed it's sell by date. I don't agree. It still serves as a valuable resource for those starting and developing their careers. People who aren't on the IFB radar - and won't be until they get something on screen. The FB/RTE film awards have helped countless individuals - both behind and in front of the camera - to get a foot on the ladder of a career in film and TV. And - bonus point - it has birthed some terrific short films. Film Ireland was and is still a valuable resource of news and information. The physical presence of Filmbase in Dublin city centre is a powerful symbol of the cultural value of film makers to our society. Filmbase is, of course about making films, but more importantly it is about developing film makers. Was/is it perfect? Of course not. But you don't starve a valuable cultural resource of funds - especially in a time of economic recovery - unless there is a good reason to do so."

"If there is one I haven't heard it. If Film Base disappears it will truly be a loss to the film making community and a slap in the face to diverse voices in the industry and to the broader culture of our country."

Liam O'Neill - Writer/Director

Another of the early members was filmmaker Johnny Gogan, who was the founding editor of Film Ireland, or as it was originally titled Film Base News magazine. He also served on the seven member board of the Irish Film Board/An Bord Scannán na hÉireann (2009-2012).

"I haven't had any direct involvement with Film Base for 25 years, but it strikes me that if it didn't exist, it would still have to be invented.

Our film culture needs to maintain the opportunity for filmmakers to progress outside of the college system and the vocational route Film Base facilitated offered that alternative to the likes of myself. For those who do come through the college system they are still faced with the challenge of making their first professional film. Film Base, with its equipment base, short film bursaries and informal "can do" approach in an increasingly institutionalised sector, has provided that important development route to graduates and the self-taught alike."

"The filmmakers affected - and the membership of Film Base - now need to respond as a community above and beyond the affected filmmkers whose grants have not materialised. The words of Liam O'Leary, our great archivist, come to mind. On the occasion of the abolition of the first Irish Film Board in 1987 he stood up at a public meeting in what is now Cinema 2 of the Irish Film Institute and said: "if this was France the filmmakers would be marching in the streets. Get up off your bourgeois arses and do something about this!"

"The affected community needs to find its own words and means but if it does not respond in an articulate and concerted way, then it will have no right to complain. The Arts Council have obviously had concerns for some months, but have used a sledgehammer to crack a nut. When they learned of the gravity of the situation the Board of Film Base should have been called to account and Governance and Financial Management issues addressed in this way. As it stands it looks as if the Council has seized the moment to impose an opportunistic cut."

Johnny Gogan, Director

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