Production News - RTÉ Announces Successful Storyland Series

The five production companies awarded the commissions are Black Sheep Productions, Blinder Films, Deadpan Pictures, Fantastic Films and Stirling Film and Television Productions.

Storyland a competition held by RTÉ Drama's deliver new online drama to the Irish audience. Each time a new webisode is published, viewers are given the chance to vote for their favourite.

The webisodes that get the most votes get commissioned to make the next episode.

"Now in its fifth season, Storyland has proven to be a hugely successful commissioning platform to bring fresh creative ideas to RTÉ, and identify emerging creative talent for the TV and film industry in Ireland," a statement said.

Past participants include Thomas Martin (Danger High Voltage, Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, RAW), Kevin McGahern (Republic of Telly, Hardy Bucks), Marie Caffrey and Nikki Racklin of Zanzibar Films (Cuckoo), Paul Duane, Rob Cawley and Gary Duggan (Happy Slapper) who went on to make Amber for RTÉ One and actress Charlie Murphy (Love/Hate) as well as Hardy Bucks, who went on to have an RTÉ Two TV series and a feature film.

David Crean, Drama Development Executive, RTÉ Television said: "Both Love/Hate and Amber show that there's an enormous appetite in Ireland for great drama. Storyland is a big part of that story. These five brand new commissions are a real chance for writers, directors and producers to make a drama that is wholly original and can engage and delight its audience. Its a launch-pad for drama makers to grow and become the hit makers of tomorrow."

James Hickey, Chief Executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann, said: "This is Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board's first year to be involved with Storyland and we very much welcome the opportunity of working with RTÉ in supporting the development of storytelling skills for television and creating new opportunities for Irish creative talent. Television drama plays a vital role in the continuing development of Irish writers, directors and producers in film. I would like to congratulate the successful teams and I look forward to working with them on this Storyland venture."

Information on the five Storyland series that have been commissioned:

Project Title: CTRL.ALT.DEL.
Production Company: Black Sheep Productions

Producers: John Wallace & Emmet Fleming
Writer: Matthew Roche
Director: Brian Deane

A brilliant young hacker must prove himself to an elite hacktivist group in order to gain their trust and help secure his freedom. Production taking place in Dublin.

Project Title: Rapt
Production Company: Blinder Films

Producer: Yvonne Donohoe
Writer: Devin John Doyle
Director: Kieron J. Walsh

When everyone in Dublin vanishes in an instant, paramedic Angela Smith is left entirely alone – even her baby daughter has disappeared – but then she starts to receive mysterious messages and she realises there are even darker forces at work. Production taking place in Dublin.

Project Title: Burning Wishes
Production Company: Deadpan Pictures

Producer: Ailish McElmeel
Writer: Cian McGarrigle
Director: Vincent Gallagher

Burning Wishes is a black comedy about death, friendship and good ol' fashioned grave-robbing. Production taking place in Dublin.

Project Title: (R)onanism
Production Company: Fantastic Films
Producers: Deirdre Levins

Writer: Tadhg Hickey
Director: Shaun O' Connor

(R)onanism is the story of RONAN, a guy who's involved in a romantic relationship with himself. Production taking place in Cork.

Project Title: Farr
Production Company: Stirling Film and Television Productions

Producer: Margaret McGoldrick
Writers: Aidan Largey and Shaun Blaney
Director: Aidan Largey

A young police officer, investigating the city's most dangerous crime family, is conflicted when the investigation may mean destroying his own career. Production taking place in Belfast.