From DkIT to broadcast TV: How film graduate James found his place in production
● James Clegg from Malahide recently worked on production in upcoming release ‘Chasing Millions’ which was partially set in Dundalk.
As heist comedy Chasing Millions prepares to hit the big screen on 9 October, local audiences may spot some familiar sites.
Inspired by the largest bank robbery in British and Irish history, the film was shot at a number of locations across Dundalk. Many of these locations will be especially familiar to DkIT film students, including Cathal Mallon, who interned with Mammoth Films producer Jane Doolan during the early location scouting process.
Film and Television graduate James Clegg also played a key role in the production.
“I might be far down the credits, but being there is something I'm proud of. In my house we call it a Mike Wazowski moment, like in the first Monsters Inc. when they're doing the TV commercial at the beginning and Mike can barely be seen but he still celebrates the part he had in it,” he laughs.
Hailing from Malahide in Dublin, the 26-year-old has had a wealth of experiences in both the film and TV industry across Ireland since his graduation from DkIT in 2022.
Most recently, James has been behind the scenes of Netflix historical drama series Bloodaxe.
Having first spotted the role in Chasing Millions online, James then secured a position on the production team through a fellow graduate’s recommendation.
The chance to work on a feature film with production quite literally on his doorstep in Finglas and in Dundalk, where he had many acquaintances was too good an opportunity to miss. “It was the most ideal job. I loved every day I worked on it,” said James. Working in an area so familiar was also ideal for a production role. “I knew Dundalk like the back of my hand, if I had to go and get something at the drop of a hat, I knew where everything was.”
James worked on the project from before filming began until after it wrapped up, working on pre-production prep and wrapping up loose ends when filming was complete. “Production is probably the most diverse department in terms of tasks, no two days are the same. Things get thrown at you from all angles because you're facilitating the production for the entire crew.”
“James seamlessly folded into the production office from day one; and that local Dundalk knowledge coupled with his professionalism, willingness to listen and learn was evident from the get go. James definitely did DkIT proud,” according to Chasing Millions Producer Jane Doolan.
When he first entered the DkIT programme in 2018, James gave very little thought to the television side of the course, but that quickly changed. “Broadcast wasn’t on my radar initially, but as we learned more about it, I became more interested and I consistently work in the broadcast sector as well as in live sport.”
Broadcast has indeed become a huge aspect of his career. James works as a Graphics Operator, managing the screens in Croke Park and also work with TG4 on the Sunday Game.
“I could be out in Kerry or Galway, for women's football, camogie or hurling, I’ve been all around the country.”
Just some of his roles since graduation include a Production Assistant on TG4's Underdogs, and working in Riot Games, a video game publisher with their own broadcast facilities in Swords. James began there as a production assistant and then worked as a graphics operator for the broadcast team, operating a graphic software for different global tournaments.
A core memory from this experience was a three-week stint in Shanghai working at a global e-sports tournament.
“It was absolutely phenomenal being able to travel for work specifically to somewhere like Shanghai. I made new connections and developed so much professionally. It was the best experience.”
James believes understanding multiple areas of production helps professionals collaborate more effectively and progress in the industry. Whatever role comes next for him, it is clear that broadcast has captured his attention.
“What excites me most are the new opportunities that keep coming, I want to work my way up the ladder, especially in broadcast. It doesn't feel like work, it’s so energizing to be a part of what people are watching on TV.”
