Journeying #17 with Gerry Nelson, Award-Winning Irish Documentary Filmmaker

This week I chat with filmmaker Gerry Nelson about his new documentary about Cork’s hurling legend Christy Ring. I would be lying if I was to say I have a deep affinity to Cork hurling, and to the legend that is Christy Ring. I have nothing against him either, or Cork hurling. But what I am interested in, is the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association, and how this mighty sporting institution weaves its way into the lives and communities of almost every parish on the island of Ireland. And that is how I crossed paths with Gerry earlier in the year – when he was carrying out research for this documentary. 

I love Gerry’s energy and enthusiasm for his art – the art of filmmaking. And I was curious to learn more about how to weave a story through the medium of film. From our chats I realised that I never really appreciated the thousands of hours of research and unseen work that goes on behind the scenes of say a 1hr documentary. I really have to say hats off to all those involved. And I am very much looking forward to seeing the final edit on RTE TV in a couple of weeks (Thursday 17th December).  

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Narrative Arcs & Storytelling
• Graham Norton's interviewing skills
• Limited career options in 1980s Ireland
• Discuss the merits of learning their skill on the job, versus a university degree
• The art of editing - team's creative effort
• The evolution of stories, from cavemen times to fireside storytelling 
• The documentary 'makes itself' after a point - the director 'impels' things to happen
• Every great story has the human emotional element
• Developing the compelling story around GAA hurling hero, Christy Ring
• Embedding your storyline in the era it occurred 
• The story of Christy Ring, an ordinary guy that did an extraordinary thing 
• The Game: The Story of Hurling 4-part documentary (2018-19)
• The female voice in his GAA documentaries
• New documentary on Christy Ring out on Thursday 17th December 2020 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

About Christy Ring documentary: https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40072805.html

More about Gerry Nelson: https://www.gerrynelson.com/selected-scenes

Cross the Line Productions and The Game: The Story of Hurling:
http://ctlfilms.com/recent-production/2019/6/7/the-game-the-story-of-hurling.html

Len Gaynor autobiography:
https://www.omahonys.ie/chiselled-from-ash-an-autobiography-p-10484240.html

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