Realise Your Creative Potential with the SDGI ARRI ALEXA TAKE

The Screen Directors Guild of Ireland (SDGI) is excited to present the SDGI ARRI ALEXA TAKE, an initiative crafted to empower directors by providing a platform for exploration. This initiative welcomes both ambitious project proposals and personal explorations that serve as a canvas for testing new ideas. With the support of cutting-edge ARRI ALEXA camera technology and 9 industry partners, this opportunity is designed for directors ready to push the boundaries of their creativity and explore new realms of storytelling. This year we will have 3 films one of which will be made with virtual production.

Why Participate?

This program offers a space for directors to experiment, innovate, and refine their craft in an environment that encourages risk-taking and creative freedom. Whether your project is intended for a wide audience or is a personal exploration, the ARRI ALEXA TAKE is your personal directing canvas.

Virtual Production

This year marks our groundbreaking expansion of our collaboration with the introduction of full-suite virtual production capabilities for one film. At the forefront of this innovation is our Virtual Production set up with LED volume panels and powered by Unreal Engine software.

This setup will allow one director to create an immersive set where the cast and crew can interact with their environment in real time. Craft your world, with a new canvas and execute your vision with unparalleled precision.

This virtual production strand is a challenge to redefine storytelling. We call on our directors , the visionaries to harness this technology and show the world your creative ideas. Whether it’s a narrative that defies genre, a landscape that captivates the senses, or a character that embodies the extraordinary, your vision can be made real.

Use State of the Art Technology

At the heart of this initiative lies the opportunity to work with the newest state-of-the-art camera technology, courtesy of our collaboration with ARRI. Directors will have exclusive access to the ARRI ALEXA’s latest model, a camera that sets new standards in film production quality. This unparalleled tool offers unmatched image quality, dynamic range, and workflow efficiency, making it the perfect companion for directors aiming to bring their most ambitious visions to life. Directors will also benefit from a free masterclass on how to use the camera alongside their Director of Photography of choice, ensuring both director and cinematographer can harness the full potential of this technology.

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

Gain exclusive access to a network of prestigious partners, including the Irish Society of Cinematographers, Bow Street, IADT team support, Outer Limits Post Production, Teach Solais, and the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland. Each brings specialised expertise and resources to enrich your project.

Guidance from Renowned Directors

Immerse yourself in a supportive environment under the mentorship of acclaimed filmmaker Frank Berry, Creative Director who will provide directors with optional insights and guidance on your project.

Exclusive Access to Ardmore Studios

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to direct your project at Ardmore Studios, Ireland’s leading film and television studio complex. Each director will receive two days to film in this state-of-the-art facility. Ardmore Studios provides an unparalleled environment that allows directors to fully concentrate on their creative endeavours, supported by top-tier production amenities and a professional backdrop.

Collaborate with Composers

Each director will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with a member of the Composers Guild. Several talented composers have generously offered to work with a director to create a custom score tailored specifically to the needs of your film, enhancing your narrative with a bespoke musical accompaniment. www.isc.ie

IADT Production Support

In a valuable collaboration with the IADT film school, we are delighted to offer directors the opportunity to include a production assistant from IADT on their projects. This addition not only brings fresh talent to the set but also ensures that the production assistant receives robust support, including sample contracts and guidance from IADT supervisors. If applicable to project, IADT will provide directors the option to avail of one script pre-production session with a Senior Production Lecturer. During this session, the Lecturer will meticulously review the script and offer crucial preparations for production.

Technical Support for Every Production

To ensure that each project benefits from the highest technical standards, IADT are providing the support of a 3rd year Cinematography student as a dedicated camera assistant for each production. This camera assistant will work closely with the Director of Photography. The camera tech’s role will include setting up and maintaining camera equipment, providing technical support, and ensuring that all equipment functions flawlessly throughout the shoot.

Fine tune your Performances

Each director will be given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the full spectrum of actors at Bow Street. This includes the chance to audition for roles, if applicable, allowing directors to select the cast or simply just the option to use Bow street actors for read-throughs and workshops facilitated at the Bow Street building.

Craft your Sound with Dolby Atmos Technology

Each production will be given the opportunity to work at IADT’s state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos edit suite, offered to all our directors with thanks from IADT from June 21st 2025 to September 21st 2025 subject to IADT terms. Create in a three-dimensional sonic environment where you can precisely place and move individual sounds to deliver an entirely new immersive audio experience.

Light your Scenes Beautifully

Each production will be equipped with a Tech Solais Lighting Kit to support their film. This top-of-the-line lighting equipment ensures that every scene is not only captured with the highest quality but also beautifully illuminated to enhance your film.

Key Program Highlights and Timeline:

May 10th, 2024: Soft launch at the SDGI AGM, featuring a special introduction by Frank Berry.

June 4th: Applications open and accepting submissions.

July 12th, 2024: Deadline for submitting your proposal.

July 15-17 2024: SDGI independent jury convenes.

July 27th, 2024: Announcement of the successful applications.

August 30th 2024 Production requests and documentation submitted.

September 10th 2024 4pm Zoom: Presentation meeting, directors present their project to all partners. Consultation with Guild and partners.

September – October: Connections made with partners.

January 2025: Training day with a focus on mastering the ARRI ALEXA, alongside workshops with renowned directors of photography.

January 10th – 31st, 2025: The shooting phase, where your vision comes to life at Ardmore Studios and other locations.

Eligibility and Participation:

Exclusive to SDGI Members: Ensure your membership is current to seize this unique opportunity.

Insurance and Support:

Successful participants will need to secure insurance, with guidance and resources provided to support your project’s success.

Celebrating Our Partnerships:

We’re grateful for the collaboration and support of our partners, including ARRI ALEXA, Ardmore Studios, Teach Solais, the Irish Society of Cinematographers, Bow Street, IADT, Outer Limits, and the Screen Composers Guild, making this initiative possible.

What We Don’t Offer:

SDGI does not provide money. The SDGI ARRI ALEXA TAKE thrives on the goodwill of each collaborator coming together to support the director’s vision. Some people are giving back and some people are learning, everyone is gaining in their own way. Previous directors of the ARRI ALEXA Take may apply again.

What we Don’t Expect:

While we expect great experimental, amazing, creative films where directors discover more about themselves as a director, directors are not obliged to deliver to SDGI or anyone. If you ‘fail’ with this film we know you will have learnt for the next one. We understand that each project is unique and you do not have to use every service with every partner.

Apply Now!

Join us in defining the future of cinema with the SDGI ARRI ALEXA TAKE.Questions? Email us at hello@sdgi.ie

High res new partner for 2025. High Res is a visual design company based in Ireland, with extensive experience in Virtual Production and Lighting Design headed up by Designer Peter Canning. With a Full time team of experienced account managers, producers and project managers, the team have seamlessly delivered large virtual production and creative design projects for major studios and production companies.

Example of an SDGI ARRI ALEXA TAKE Film:

How does an ARRI ALEXA work?: