Kinsale Sharks open for entries

Entries have opened for this year's Kinsale Shark Awards, which celebrate Irish and international creativity.

Now in their 56th year, the awards take place on 26-29 September, judged by a panel of international industry experts from agencies, production companies and editing houses, and headed up by AMV BBDO creative partner Rosie Arnold.

Confirmed jurors so far include Droga5 New York's associate director of film production, Ruben Mercadal; Matt Craigie, chief production officer, Mother London, and Shane Casey, head of digital, Boys & Girls Dublin.

New awards for 2018 include Best Production Company, Best Post Production Company, Best Sound Design Company, Best Music Production Company and Best Design Agency.

Neil Dawson and Uncommon Founder Nils Leonard are set to headline the accompanying programme of talks and events, with further speakers set to be announced over the coming weeks.

This year also sees some changes to the festival format, with the traditional award ceremonies merging into a bigger, less formal evening event with award winners able to collect their shark head awards separately. Festival passes have also been streamlined, with just one type of pass available giving entry to all talks and evening events over the entire festival.

“We have done a lot of listening and are delighted to announce a new shape to the festival to include everyone," says festival director Aisling White. "This year we are more focused on inspiring talks and social events, and we have some pretty special events planned. The format change has enabled a major reduction in the price of festival passes and I am super excited for our 56th Festival.”

The deadline for entries is 7 September, with a special early bird rate available until 22 June.