A documentary film about blood donation, produced by journalism students at Independent Colleges, has been officially launched by the Irish
Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS). The film, entitled The Blood Line, was featured on the IBTS Facebook page on Monday (June 14th) to coincide with World Blood Donor day.
The Facebook page – which boasts over 14,000 members – is a key part of the IBTS’ campaign to increase blood donation in Ireland.
Produced with the assistance of the IBTS – and featuring an interview with the organisation’s Medical Director, Dr. William Murphy – the film depicts both the blood donation process and the treatment and processing of donated blood at the National Blood Centre in Dublin. It also features an interview with journalist and author Ben Murnane, who required life-saving blood transfusions in the treatment of a rare genetic illness.
The film was produced by Andrew Cosgrave, Deirdre Gilhawley, Conor Tobin, and Peter Flanagan, who are all students on the 2009-2010 MA in Journalism course at Independent Colleges. Students on the MA course are required to make a documentary film as part of the Video Production module. It was shot on location at the National Blood Centre, and at the blood donation clinic at D’Olier Street in Dublin city centre.
“We wanted to show the journey of the blood, from the donor, through the IBTS, and ultimately on to a recipient of blood transfusions,” said Cosgrave, the film’s editor and director.
“Hopefully it will encourage viewers to give blood.”
Commenting on the film, IBTS marketing executive Clare MacDermott said that the organisation was very happy with the final result. “The film has received compliments from colleagues at all levels,” she said. “The finish is very professional, and the story comes across very well; Ben’s message is particularly moving and relevant.”
As well as featuring the film on their website, the IBTS plan on using it in future educational campaigns, to further promote blood donation amongst the Irish population.
Around 3,000 blood donations are required each week in Ireland. Currently, only 3% of the Irish population donate blood.
The Blood Line can be viewed at www.facebook.com/giveblood , or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoa_2_uBefM
For more information on blood donation, visit www.giveblood.ie
