Derry musicians and film makers have been called on to enter Parliament’s largest competitions – Rock the House and Film the House – which raise awareness of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights among legislators and the general public.
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan.
The call has come from Foyle SDLP MP Durkan who described as “excellent” the first entry to the Film the House competition by aspiring young Derry film-maker Deborah (Dee) Boyle – a short documentary exploring the significance of the annual Foyle Gay Pride parade which follows the path of the 1968/9 civil rights marches through the city.
Founded by Intellectual Property Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mike Weatherley MP, the Rock the House and Film the House competitions are sponsored by the music and film industries and supported by celebrity patrons such as rock legend Alice Cooper and Queen guitarist Brian May.
Both competitions offer the opportunity for musicians and film-makers to have their work judged by the leading lights of industry and win prizes ranging from festival slots, studio time, equipment, radio/TV airplay, and the opportunity to have their work premiered in London’s West End.
Musicians and film makers enter their original material to their MP, who nominates one entrant per competition category. A panel of industry executives then presides over choosing the finalists and winners.
Mr Durkan said the competitions were a great opportunity for local musicians and film makers of any age looking to find a way into the music and film industries.
Ian McKellen.
“Rock the House for example provides the chance for up and coming talent to play in front of music industry executives including record companies and promoters,” he said.
“I’m delighted to see the first entry to the Film the House competition from Derry – Dee Boyle’s excellent documentary which explores the parallels between civil rights and gay rights – which also includes an interview with Stonewall co-founder Sir Ian McKellen following his compelling lecture at Magee last year.
“Indeed, during the lecture Ian McKellen offered a powerful memoir of his experiences as both actor and activist as well as pointed and poignant references to current debates on rights and equality.
“I’m now really excited to see what other films and music tracks others can come up with – and please remember the closing date of 31 March 2014.”
To view Deborah’s documentary, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H7BEZLLh1c.
For more information on how to enter Rock the House go to www.rockthehouseHOC.com/apply or for Film the House www.filmthehouse.com/apply
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