Local filmmaker aims to inspire with 'D'Lads'

Sarah Slevin

A local actor and filmmaker has been inspired to grow the industry in the midlands with the production of his upcoming film, ‘D’Lads’.

Liam Hall Walshe from Rochfortbridge has been developing the film for two years and the plan is for it to be shot in his locality this summer.

The 21-year-old had moved to Dublin to pursue his acting dreams and study but has now moved back to Westmeath to grow the film industry here.

“I wanted to give people an avenue and inspire, so I thought that the most meaningful way to follow my dream was to go back to where I grew up, where there was nothing, [in filmmaking] and make something,” Liam said.

“It’s not that I want to change the culture, it’s that I want to make my own. The culture in Westmeath is very much based around the GAA and music and I don’t want anything to lose out, I just want to establish my own, in filmmaking,” Liam said.

The former St Joseph’s Secondary School student said he always enjoyed drama but took a particular liking to film and screen acting.

“I was always interested in acting, but I felt there was no avenue for that in Westmeath, not a lot for screen acting so ever since I was 17, I travelled to Dublin to get training in screen acting,” Liam said.

He has spent thousands on acting courses over the past few years, and then went on to study economics, policy, and law.

However, Liam decided he would take the time to follow his film and acting dreams.

“I had to make an investment in myself, and said I’d go for it, sink or swim, if you’re going to go for it, go for it with no apologies,” Liam said.

“I’ve been developing the film for two years, and now I’m seeing more opportunities now that I’m fully invested in it,” Liam said.

Liam has gathered a production crew and actors together from the midlands and further afield to develop ‘D’Lads’ with him, voluntarily.

“I’ve a full professional crew, I couldn’t believe my luck in getting them all,” Liam said.

“To me, this is just the first of many films I want to make here. If I can get backing from people and get people interested, then we can push on,” Liam said.

Liam, who will also star in the film, has planned to start shooting this June for 10 days at St Joseph’s Secondary School.

“It’s extremely Irish. It’s very Westmeath and colloquial, and it’s very relatable. I can guarantee when people go see it that they’ll be able to say ‘oh, I know someone like that’,” Liam said.

“It’s kind of like opening a window into what it’s like to go to secondary school in the midlands,” Liam said.

See some of Liam's work on YouTube here.