Dream trip from Crossgar to Hollywood for movie maker

Dream trip from Crossgar to Hollywood for movie maker

11 April 2018

AN aspiring Crossgar film director is ready to take the movie industry by storm following a life-changing trip to Hollywood.

Joseph Conlon was one of nine ambassadors from Northern Ireland selected to take part in the Cinemagic’s annual film festival in Los Angeles.

Cinemagic is an award-winning Belfast-based charity, which invited the local young people to America to work with film industry experts.

Joseph, who wants to be a director, said he was delighted to participate in an exciting programme of masterclasses, studio tours, screenings, presentations and film camps, while interacting with representatives from the world’s biggest film and television studios.

He also took part in a project to create a piece of musical theatre for a 350-strong audience of film and music industry executives.

“I found the Los Angeles trip to be a real eye-opening and life-changing trip,” he said.

“It was great to visit the various studios, speak with leading industry professionals, and to receive knowledge and wisdom first hand.

“As an ambassador I found it a privilege to represent Cinemagic and also sell Northern Ireland and I will continue to do so.

“This trip has expanded my horizons and positively altered my mindset. I am now more inspired than ever as it was a life-changing trip.

“All the ambassadors felt the same upon returning home — inspired and positive.”