Two DCU students find major success in the arts

Two DCU students are enjoying success in their respective fields at the moment.

DCU student Chris Cleary had his radio documentary aired on RTE Radio 1 recently, while third-year journalism student Shaun Dunne is starring in a new film released nationwide.

Cleary’s documentary divulges the personal story of his mother and her life-threatening struggle with drug addiction. The second-year communications students admits that it is extremely difficult to break into the radio industry, and attributes his recent success to the importance of acquiring contacts in the business rather than talent.

Cleary claims that his initial pitch to RTE was very well-received, and that it was the story of the documentary that caught their eye.

“I think it was just easy because of the storyline. It could help so many people,” Cleary said.

Meanwhile Shaun Dunne became involved with film Situations Vacant via his agent.

“My agent, Gillian Oman, sent me on the audition which was cast by the director Lisa Mulcahy and casting agent Louise Kiely. It was improv-based which is a lot looser than straight scriptwork, audition-wise.

“Following that audition I was called in for a group reading, and then got word the next week that I got the part.”
Dunne feels he was fortunate to land the role.

“There are struggling actors everywhere - it’s a job that a lot of people want to do but realistically there isn’t the work and opportunity to facilitate everyone.”

Dunne also writes plays and has just been commissioned to write a script for the Dublin-based Rough Magic theatre company.

Cleary’s documentary is still available to listen to online and the list of cinemas where Situations Vacant being shown can be viewed on the movie’s website.