News
Monday 29th, September, 2014
Elton Mullally Interview
Elton Mullally is a musician and television producer. Elton began his career in television production as a part-time researcher for NIGHTSHIFT, a late night music show which ran 7 nights a week for Channel 6 (now part of TV3) back in 2007. From here he moved on to become the assistant producer and eventually the producer/ director.
He set up Tusk productions in 2009 with 2 fellow workmates and secured a commission with RTE for the indie music show UNDER ETHER. Elton also co-presented the series with actress & model Michelle Doherty.
This show ran for 2 seasons and was voted 'Best Irish TV Show 2010' in the ENTERTAINMENT.IE Awards, and 'Best TV Show' in the Hot Press Readers Poll. Tusk productions made the RTE NEW COMEDY AWARDS in 2013, a 6-part series showcasing the new comedy talent from around the country.
Earlier this year his company produced the 'as-live' METEOR CHOICE MUSIC AWARDS for RTE 2.
Elton has also produced, directed and/or shot numerous music videos for many of Irelands top musical acts including James Vincent McMorrow, Delorentos, O Emperor, Keith Moss. He has also made radio and television documentaries.
In 2012 Elton returned to college and received a 1st class honours Masters in Television Production & Radio in IADT, Dublin. Tusk productions are presently responsible for comedy development projects for RTE online. Elton is also a songwriter and musician and has toured and/ or recorded with many of Irelands top artists including Mark Geary, Nina Hynes, Carol Keogh, Autamata, Readers Wives, Star Little Thing, Jerry Fish...to name but a few.
When and why you decided to take up your chosen career?
I entered the world of television production completely by chance. I am a musician, and my love and knowledge of music, particularly the domestic music scene, led to me being offered a part -time job as a music researcher on a music show.
Did you find it difficult to break into this industry, what tips would you give to any young person trying to break into your industry?
I was lucky in that I was offered a job as a part time researcher which was an excellent break into the industry.
I would advice anyone looking to break into the industry to do some third level course in media, offer your services to production companies on a work experience basis and all the while pick up a camera and some basic editing software and start teaching yourself to shoot and edit.
Who is your greatest influence regarding your chosen career?
Friends within the industry who have given advice along the way.
What is the most challenging project you have ever worked on?
The first show my company made for RTE (UNDER ETHER - MUSIC SHOW) was pretty nerve wrecking. A lot of the production was done on the fly, we were learning a lot as we went along to be honest. I was also presenting on this show, of which I had very little previous experience, so the pressure on me was enormous.
What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?
Don't talk about doing it, just go and do it.
Noise Careers: "Careers in Radio, Television & Journalism" takes place in Tallaght Library from 5.30 to 7pm on Monday 13th October. To book a free place please contact Tallaght Library at talib@sdublincoco.ie or on (01) 4620073.