ARRI ALEXA TAKE
This creative launchpad supports experimental and conceptual visual films using the ARRI ALEXA camera to spark discovery and inspiration.

Update: ARRI ALEXA TAKE 2023 is in preparation for potential shooting in January 2024 with a deadline of Midday Friday the 5th of October. Applications are currently closed and due to open in July 2023. Watch this space!
Overview
Incorporated into the broader ecosystem of support to directors at SDGI, the ARRI ALEXA TAKE serves as a launching point for creative risk taking and new collaborations in the screen industry. Directors will have the opportunity to shoot on the new ARRI ALEXA Camera.
Creative Director
Each year a creative director offers directors voluntary support and guidance on projects to help directors get the most out of the experience. This year’s featured creative director is the critically acclaimed filmmaker Frank Berry (Aisha, Michael Inside, I Used to Live Here, Ballymun Lullaby).
Director of Photography
Screen Directors Guild of Ireland and ARRI are delighted to partner with The Irish Society of Cinematographers (ISC) to provide experienced cinematographers for this award. ISC represent world-class cinematographers who are willing to pair with directors subject to their availability — see this list of ISC members. Directors pick their own cinematographer they wish to work with.
Location
Subject to availability, the location of the SDGI ARRI ALEXA Take will be in studio in Ardmore Studios, Bray. Co Wicklow with Green screen available.
Finishing
Outer Limits Post Production house has offered directors of this year ARRI ALEXA TAKE 2020 a half-day grading service and production of DCP (with hard drive to be provided by filmmakers).
Casting
Bow Street has offered to provide trained actors for productions, and use of Bow Street as a location where suitable. Auditions for directors needing casts available from now onwards. Bow Street is located at 12/13 Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7.
Screen Composers Guild
The Screen Composers Guild of Ireland has offered the support of their composers to volunteer to work with a director on a film. Please see the full list of screen composers guild. Please note composers must be confirmed in advance of shooting.
Schedule
Directors have one shoot day, plus one ave one day prep in studio with camera-test. The full kit is returned to the 24/7 premises no later than 6pm, or perhaps later on the shoot day. There will be a day in between each shoot for camera handover between crews and to check inventories, camera charge, card download etc.
Membership
This award is open to Screen Directors Guild of Ireland’s members only. Directors must be fully paid-up members of the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland to access this opportunity. Most members on standing orders come out at the end of February. Learn more about SDGI Membership.
Insurance
Directors need to provide their own insurance. SDGI has previously secured reasonable rates with AON Insurance. Please email proof of insurance once you’ve obtained it two weeks advance of the shoot date. See the separate kit list to include lighting and approx value of the camera kit is 400K.
Kit Location & Training
The kit will be stored at 24/7 (opening hours 9am – 5pm) in between shoots. When collecting equipment from 24/7, please take all pieces of kit whether you need them or not — they’ll be under your insurance for the duration of your shoot. You’ll be in charge of storing the kit overnight when not in use.
There’ll be a mandatory camera assistant from National Film School IADT on each shoot, trained by ARRI. An optional one training day session for DOPs will take place in advance of shooting.
LIGHTING
The following sample kit is offered by Teach Solais:
- 1 x 1.2k compact
- 2 x arri 1k fresnels
- 2 x arri 500 fresnels
- 1 x 4foot 4 bank kinoflo
- 1 x 2 lift combo stand
- 2 x universal stands
- 2 x master stands
- 1 x set flags & nets
- 4 x c stands
- 10 x sand bags
- 6 x 16a extensions
- 2 x 16a splitters
- 4 x 13-16s
Production
Directors are responsible for the production and all budget elements related to their films.
Fellow Director Support
Previous directors of the ARRI ALEXA have offered to support the ARRI ALEXA TAKE directors, and SDGI arranges a day in January for directors for breakfast chat and tips.
Annual Meeting of Directors Promo/Screening
At the SDGI annual meeting of Directors in May, members are updated on news, shown a promo, with ARRI ALEXA directors asked to say a few words about the experience. There’s also an optional screening at the Lighthouse at an agreed date with directors.
Applications are currently closed watch this space for next round in Autumn 2023