Cast Sought For Irish Tourism Film Shorts

An-Ireland wide tourism promotional agency has launched its own 'search for a star'.
Comedy TV actors Tim McGarry and Ali Ford, (Da and Dympna from 'Give my Head Peace'), launched the search (pictured here) for people to star in a series of short online movies to help market the island of Ireland overseas.
Tourism Ireland has begun a search for a number of individuals - or couples - to star in a series of short online movies to help market the island of Ireland overseas and attract more visitors in 2009 and beyond.
They want to recruit people whose infectious enthusiasm for their favourite part of Ireland, whether iconic location or best kept secret, can help promote the destination to potential visitors across the world.
"Visitors repeatedly tell us that what distinguishes the island of Ireland from other destinations - what sets us apart from our competitors - is our people and our scenery.
"This was confirmed in the recent wide-ranging review of the island of Ireland brand", said Laughlin Rigby, eMarketing Manager, Tourism Ireland.
"The movies will complement our new three-year global advertising campaign 'Go Where Ireland Takes You'," he said.
The producers of the online movies, Keo Films, the makers of Channel 4's River Cottage series, will carry out the initial casting stage over the next couple of weeks.
Those interested are invited to email [email protected] or to call Freefone 0800 6800310 (from landlines only) and give details of their favourite place and say why they should be selected to feature in one of the movies.
A shortlist will then be compiled and short listed respondents will be invited to participate in a series of auditions at a number of locations across the island.
The online movies will feature on Tourism Ireland's international suite of 41 websites www.discoverireland.com, which covers every continent, and will be translated into five languages.
Last year the websites attracted a record 10.3 million unique visitors, a massive +53% increase in visits over 2007, illustrating the powerful influence of the internet on consumer holiday planning.
"Customers are not just searching for the lowest fare any more; they are seeking information and recommendations on the perfect holiday experience - where to go, what to see and do and where to eat," continued Mr Rigby.
"This new online movie series is aimed at providing an added dimension of information on the many attractions we have to offer in a novel and entertaining way.
"In addition to featuring on Tourism Ireland's global website, the movies will also feature on online video channels and on social networking sites such as YouTube, Facebook and WAYN.com," he concluded.
(BMcC/JM)