Paddy Slattery is to produce 'Skunky Dog', which work will begin on next month.

Local filmmaker set for new short

Work is to begin next month on “Skunky Dog”, a contemporary drama being produced by Offaly filmmaker Paddy Slattery.

Written by James Fitzgerald of OIC Media, shooting on the project is scheduled for the first week of March in locations throughout Galway.

The Stand Mantra Productions and OIC Media project in association with the national film school at IADT will feature a cast list that includes Ryan McParland (Good Vibrations, 6Degrees), Lacy Moore (Emmerdale Farm, Hollyoaks), Peter Ballance (Game of Throne, Laws of Attraction), Tristan Heanue (Love, Rosie, Runner), John Connors (Love/Hate, King of the Travellers), Patrick Molloy (Titanic, Blood and Steel) and David McSavage (Calvary, The Savage Eye).

“Skunky Dog” will tell the tragic story of Flick, a 19-year-old alcoholic who spends his time drinking and dreaming of a better life. Flick will be played by rising star Ryan McParland, who is currently nominated for a prestigious Irish Times Theatre Award.

He will star alongside Lacy Moore, who takes on the role of a young widow who turns his world upside-down by showing him some much-needed affection.

Peter Ballance will take on the role of Mick Dunne, a local mechanic who sees potential in Flick and offers him some work when he can. This position becomes a challenge for Flick, with Mick’s sexual orientation a topic of debate in the local community.

Also joining the cast is David McSavage, as Morgan the friendly barman. John Connors and Tristan Heanue will play Flick’s misguided friends Shooter and Ham, while Patrick Molloy will take on the unenviable role of Flick’s abusive father.

“Skunky Dog” is writer James Fitzgerald’s graduation film. Further funds for additional production costs have been raised on crowdfunding site www.indiegogo.com however, while Film Equipment Hire Ireland have provided director of photography Aidan Gault with equipment being used to shoot the film. Composing duties have been taken on by Patrick O’Connor, who scored James’ previous short film “Shadows in the Woods”.

It’s hoped “Skunky Dog” will hit the film festival circuit on completion. In the meantime more details on the project are available at www.facebook.com/skunkydog.