BANG ON THE EAR
Musicians have always looked for fresh sounds and techniques to capture the imagination and speak to the spirit of their time. With pop and rock increasingly running short of original ideas a new wave of innovative, ideas-fuelled artists have emerged in Ireland that are shaking up the musical scene. These are individuals who delve deep not only into the world of sound but also art, film and literature to create an eclectic mix of music that rings out over the mundane. Melding these influences with innovative use of electronics and digital technologies they are pushing the boundaries of what music can do, exploring more deeply the possibilities in which musical ideas can be imagined and realized, and freeing themselves from the obligations of finding a ‘band’ a ‘producer’ or a record label. In the process they are compelling us, the listener, to think differently about music and the world we live in.

From classical to nu-folk to the noisy this documentary series explores the worlds and sounds of Irelands leading young musical pioneers to find out what makes them tick, sing and bang.

THE NEW CHURCH
The Catholic Church in Ireland has a new and growing congregation which is not only reviving the Church but also radically re-defining it. Arriving in thousands from Africa, South America, Asia and Eastern Europe seeking asylum and a better life, this wave of immigration constitutes a major episode in the history of the Catholic faith. As the new communicants are strangers, exiles, mostly poor, often exploited, and ignored, the Church has become their home away from home. Consequently the Church is rediscovering its early radical roots as the supported and protector of the poor, dispossessed and downtrodden.

‘The New Church’ explores the issues arising from this changing Catholic demography, considering the Church’s response to this major episode in the history of the faith in Ireland through the stories and experiences of, amongst others, Parish Priests, lay workers, Theologians and members of the migrant communities. It raises the question of the future mission of the contemporary church in a greatly changing Ireland and presents a remarkable story of a fading institution slowly revitalised and being transformed by the arrival of thousands of migrants and refugees.

UNDERSTANDING IRAN
For many years now the world has misjudged Iran. The global image of Iran is based on assumptions, not facts. These assumptions have been used to form negative impressions of the country and ultimately used as 'carte blanche' by the US to threaten the stability of Iran. It is time to set the record straight. By tracing the path of history and the rich cultural development of this great nation, we reveal the success of Iran as an educated and informed society, shaped by some of the greatest philosophers, leaders and writers in the world.

'Understanding Iran' chronicles a land and people open to and embracing change. It penetrates the soul of Iran and shows a people who have great pride in the idea and meaning of being Iranian, a people who are committed to the acceptance of their culture in the wider world and a people who respect the rights and freedom of other nations.

BOOT CAMP
Everyone at some stage in their lives dreams of becoming an actor. The attention, the accolades, the pleasure of gracing the stage or reaching celluloid stardom all have their appeal. For the vast majority of people this is simply a fantasy or a wish which they believe they will never achieve. But for a very small number of people, there is a belief that perhaps they can turn their dreams into reality and suceed in the unforgiving world of stage, television and movie acting.

It all happens at the actors boot camp – the Gaiety School of Acting, the most advanced and recognized school of acting in Ireland. With a lengthy list of successful graduates to its name the Gaiety School has carved out a niche in Irish society as the place to make or break great actors. It is here that many people’s dreams are shattered but for a small select few these dreams do come true.

‘Boot Camp’ takes us on the year long journey of four would-be actors who have succeeded in earning a place on one of these pretigious courses. It chronicles their lives as they grapple with discipline, praise, disappointment, growth, friendship, love, competition and initiation into the world of entertainment where there are more failures than successes.

REBELS OF FORTUNE
A documentary series that brings to life the forgotten stories of four extraordinary characters of the Irish diaspora who had a seminal effect on the history of the Americas. A President, a deserter, a General and an Indian Chief, their formidable personalities, individualistic vision and Irish background enabled them to rise above their modest origins and operate successfully on the murky frontiers between vastly different societies and cultures.

Though not directly linked to each other their individual histories manifest a set of shared concerns, attributes and ideals that unite them; a belief in liberty, a sensitivity to the plight of weaker peoples, and an ability to mediate and move chameleon-like between cultures. This series reveals how the history of their adopted nations was profoundly shaped by their actions.