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Beginnings / A film by Seán Leahy

For Séamus

Set in rural Ireland, For Séamus explores the silent struggles between fathers and sons, revealing a story of reconciliation, legacy, and love left unspoken.

Watch the film ▷Watch the trailer ▷Inside the making ↓

Watch it. Explore how it came together. Find something to take into your own work. No account needed.

Official For Séamus poster, with the film title above two people seated in a warmly lit room.
Poster supplied by Seán Leahy

The finished film

For Séamus

The full film, here on CastMe.
Free to watch. No account needed.

Full film · For Séamus. Press play when you’re ready.

Go inside the making

A finished film.
So many beginnings.

Follow a part of the process.
See what it opens up for you.

A young man stands beside a seated man in a domestic interior.
Film still · For Séamus
Watch director’s commentary ▷

Writing & performance

A relationship, before a production.

For Séamus centres on the relationship between fathers and sons in rural Ireland.

Something to try · CastMe prompt

Explore what can be understood without being said.

Begin with a moment between two people. What can their actions reveal without dialogue?

Make a beginning of my own ↗
A close-up of an older man, looking towards the light.
Film still · For Séamus
Watch storyboard comparison ▷

Drawing to image

237 panels. A film to compare them with.

The official storyboard feature compares 237 original panels with the finished frames.

Something to try · CastMe prompt

Test a visual sequence before recording it.

Start with three rough sketches. You are planning what the audience sees; simple shapes will do.

Make a beginning of my own ↗
A young man sits with a mug at a kitchen table.
Film still · For Séamus
Watch behind the scenes ▷

Working together

A film is more than the person behind the camera.

Performers, producers, camera crew, editors, musicians and sound artists brought the film together. Several people held more than one role.

Something to try · CastMe prompt

Name the jobs your idea needs before looking for collaborators.

Think about the work your scene needs, then decide which parts you can take on and where you need help.

Make a beginning of my own ↗
A dim hallway looks through to a room at the far end.
Film still · For Séamus
Watch deleted scenes ▷

Editing

The finished version involves leaving things out.

Seán’s film page includes a deleted-scenes feature with alternate moments, angles and takes.

Something to try · CastMe prompt

Compare two versions of a moment and notice what each one gives you.

Try two versions of your own scene. Notice what each one lets the audience feel or understand.

Make a beginning of my own ↗

Beyond the final frame

The viewing room

Open a film extra to watch it here.
The trailer, commentary, storyboards, behind the scenes and deleted scenes.

TrailerA first look at the film.

Trailer · For Séamus. Press play when you’re ready.

Director’s commentaryListen to Seán’s own account of the film’s creative decisions.

Director’s commentary · For Séamus. Press play when you’re ready.

Something to notice
Choose one decision he discusses. What does it help the audience feel?

Storyboard comparisonThe official comparison places 237 storyboard panels alongside the finished film.

Storyboard comparison · For Séamus. Press play when you’re ready.

Something to notice
Find a drawing that changed in the finished shot. What might the change do for the scene?

Behind the scenesOn-set photographs and footage from the making of the short.

Behind the scenes · For Séamus. Press play when you’re ready.

Something to notice
Notice a job happening outside the frame. What would your own small scene need?

Deleted scenesAlternate moments, angles and takes left out of the finished film.

Deleted scenes · For Séamus. Press play when you’re ready.

Something to notice
What changes when a moment is removed? Try watching for pace, clarity and feeling.

Made by people

Every person.
A part of the story.

Meet the credited team.
Open a credit to explore what each role involves.

Keavan Jones

ColmExplore this credit +

Actor

Brings a character to life through behaviour, voice, movement and listening.

Preparation and filming

  • Prepare the script and the character’s intentions.
  • Rehearse and work with the director and other performers.
  • Repeat actions and performances across takes while responding to direction.

Who they work with
Director, other performers, assistant directors and costume / hair / makeup teams.

Try a small step
Read the same line with two different intentions. Notice how the meaning changes.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Leon Folan

SéamusExplore this credit +

Actor

Brings a character to life through behaviour, voice, movement and listening.

Preparation and filming

  • Prepare the script and the character’s intentions.
  • Rehearse and work with the director and other performers.
  • Repeat actions and performances across takes while responding to direction.

Who they work with
Director, other performers, assistant directors and costume / hair / makeup teams.

Try a small step
Read the same line with two different intentions. Notice how the meaning changes.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Liam O’Caoimh

BrendanExplore this credit +

Actor

Brings a character to life through behaviour, voice, movement and listening.

Preparation and filming

  • Prepare the script and the character’s intentions.
  • Rehearse and work with the director and other performers.
  • Repeat actions and performances across takes while responding to direction.

Who they work with
Director, other performers, assistant directors and costume / hair / makeup teams.

Try a small step
Read the same line with two different intentions. Notice how the meaning changes.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Seán Leahy

Writer & Director · Executive Producer · Editor · Foley ArtistExplore this credit +

Writer & Director

Combines creating the screenplay with leading its creative interpretation on screen.

Development through post-production

  • Develop characters, scenes and the script.
  • Work with performers and department leads on how to tell the story.
  • Guide performance and creative choices, then collaborate on the edit.

Who they work with
Producer, performers, cinematographer, editor and sound team.

Try a small step
Write a half-page scene, then sketch three shots that express its central idea.

Executive Producer

Usually provides senior support such as financing, access, packaging or oversight. The exact contribution varies considerably.

Often development and financing

  • Help secure backing or important resources.
  • Support major relationships and decisions as agreed with the producers.
  • Provide oversight appropriate to the project’s arrangement.

Who they work with
Producers, financiers and other senior partners.

Try a small step
Write what support a project needs before approaching a potential backer. A credit alone does not establish who financed this film.

Editor

Shapes recorded material into the film’s sequence, rhythm and dramatic meaning.

Often during filming, then post-production

  • Review material and select useful moments and performances.
  • Build and revise sequences with the director.
  • Prepare an organised handover for sound, colour and other finishing work.

Who they work with
Director, assistant editors, producer and post-production departments.

Try a small step
Cut the same three shots in two orders. Compare the meaning and pace.

Foley Artist

Performs and recreates everyday sounds in time with the image, such as footsteps, clothing and handled objects.

Post-production

  • Watch the picture and identify sounds to recreate.
  • Choose props and surfaces, then perform sounds in synchronisation.
  • Work with recording and editing colleagues to produce convincing detail.

Who they work with
Foley mixer / recordist, Foley editor and supervising sound editor.

Try a small step
Film yourself putting a cup down. Separately record a few safe household objects and see which best fits the action. Use your own clip.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Hazel Cronin

Producer · First Assistant DirectorExplore this credit +

Producer

Brings together the people, resources and arrangements that make a film possible.

Development through release

  • Develop the project and plan its resources and finance.
  • Bring together collaborators and organise the practical production.
  • Oversee delivery, keeping the project’s creative and practical needs aligned.

Who they work with
Director, production team, financiers and distributors.

Try a small step
List the people, permissions, places and costs needed for one simple scene.

First Assistant Director

Coordinates the shooting day so the director and crew can carry out the planned work.

Preparation and filming

  • Break down the script and help plan an achievable shooting schedule.
  • Coordinate departments, readiness and movement through the day’s work.
  • Communicate schedule changes and support agreed safe working arrangements.

Who they work with
Director, producer / production manager, second AD and department heads.

Try a small step
Break a simple scene into setups and estimate preparation and filming time for each.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Emma Coleman

Producer · Second Assistant DirectorExplore this credit +

Producer

Brings together the people, resources and arrangements that make a film possible.

Development through release

  • Develop the project and plan its resources and finance.
  • Bring together collaborators and organise the practical production.
  • Oversee delivery, keeping the project’s creative and practical needs aligned.

Who they work with
Director, production team, financiers and distributors.

Try a small step
List the people, permissions, places and costs needed for one simple scene.

Second Assistant Director

Helps organise people and information around the shooting day, supporting the first AD.

Preparation and filming

  • Prepare and circulate call information as agreed with production.
  • Coordinate cast movements and readiness with relevant departments.
  • Keep the first AD informed and prepare arrangements for the next day.

Who they work with
First AD, production office, cast and costume / hair / makeup teams.

Try a small step
Draft a practice call sheet for an imaginary scene using invented names and contact details.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Adam Barry-Murphy

Director of Photography · ColouristExplore this credit +

Director of Photography

Shapes the film’s photographic approach with the director, including lighting, framing and camera movement.

Preparation, filming and finishing

  • Plan the visual approach and required camera and lighting work.
  • Coordinate with camera, lighting and grip colleagues on set.
  • Review recorded images and collaborate on the colour finish.

Who they work with
Director, camera assistants, gaffer, grips and colourist.

Try a small step
Photograph one subject from three positions using available light. Compare what each frame suggests.

Colourist

Refines colour and brightness so shots work together and support the intended visual mood.

Post-production

  • Discuss the look with the director and cinematographer.
  • Balance and match shots, then build the agreed grade.
  • Check the finished images against the delivery requirements.

Who they work with
Director, director of photography, editor and finishing team.

Try a small step
Give two of your own shots a consistent look, then compare a warmer and cooler version.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Max Forbes

Camera AssistantExplore this credit +

Camera Assistant

Supports the camera department so its equipment and shooting workflow are ready. Duties depend on the particular camera-assistant position.

Preparation and filming

  • Help prepare and check camera equipment.
  • Support changes of lenses, batteries and other camera accessories as assigned.
  • Support focus, slating or camera records according to the assigned role; these can be separate jobs.

Who they work with
Director of photography, camera operator and other camera assistants.

Try a small step
Make a kit checklist and practise labelling a few test shots. Do not assume this broad credit means one person handled every camera duty.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Mathias Levy Valensi

ComposerExplore this credit +

Composer

Creates original music to serve the film’s story and emotional direction.

Often development and post-production

  • Discuss where music is needed and what it should achieve.
  • Compose, demonstrate and revise musical ideas against the picture.
  • Arrange recording or production and deliver the agreed music parts.

Who they work with
Director, producer, music editor, musicians and sound post-production.

Try a small step
Try two short original musical ideas against your own silent scene. Compare the emotional effect.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

David Slemon

Sound Recordist · Foley ArtistExplore this credit +

Sound Recordist

Captures usable dialogue and location sound for the edit and sound post-production.

Preparation and filming

  • Check recording equipment and listen for potential noise problems.
  • Monitor sound and levels during takes with the boom / sound team.
  • Label and hand over recordings, noting sound problems and capturing extra sound when needed.

Who they work with
Boom operator, director, camera and assistant-directing teams, then sound editors.

Try a small step
With a willing speaker, record a line from two distances and listen on headphones. Compare clarity and room noise.

Foley Artist

Performs and recreates everyday sounds in time with the image, such as footsteps, clothing and handled objects.

Post-production

  • Watch the picture and identify sounds to recreate.
  • Choose props and surfaces, then perform sounds in synchronisation.
  • Work with recording and editing colleagues to produce convincing detail.

Who they work with
Foley mixer / recordist, Foley editor and supervising sound editor.

Try a small step
Film yourself putting a cup down. Separately record a few safe household objects and see which best fits the action. Use your own clip.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

Daire Smiddy

Sound Recordist · Boom Operator · Foley ArtistExplore this credit +

Sound Recordist

Captures usable dialogue and location sound for the edit and sound post-production.

Preparation and filming

  • Check recording equipment and listen for potential noise problems.
  • Monitor sound and levels during takes with the boom / sound team.
  • Label and hand over recordings, noting sound problems and capturing extra sound when needed.

Who they work with
Boom operator, director, camera and assistant-directing teams, then sound editors.

Try a small step
With a willing speaker, record a line from two distances and listen on headphones. Compare clarity and room noise.

Boom Operator

Positions a microphone close enough for clear sound while keeping it out of the picture.

Rehearsals and filming

  • Follow the blocking and dialogue to plan microphone movement.
  • Coordinate with camera and lighting to avoid the frame and unwanted shadows.
  • Work with the sound recordist and help with microphone placement as assigned.

Who they work with
Sound recordist / production sound mixer, camera crew and performers.

Try a small step
Watch a short dialogue scene and sketch how a microphone could follow the speakers without entering the frame.

Foley Artist

Performs and recreates everyday sounds in time with the image, such as footsteps, clothing and handled objects.

Post-production

  • Watch the picture and identify sounds to recreate.
  • Choose props and surfaces, then perform sounds in synchronisation.
  • Work with recording and editing colleagues to produce convincing detail.

Who they work with
Foley mixer / recordist, Foley editor and supervising sound editor.

Try a small step
Film yourself putting a cup down. Separately record a few safe household objects and see which best fits the action. Use your own clip.

General role guidance, not a description of this person’s individual duties. A film credit is not a claimed CastMe profile.

Link to this credit ↗

From their film to your first step

A beginning
that’s yours.

A moment between two people. Three rough sketches. A different cut. Take something from this film into work of your own.

These are CastMe practice prompts. Your notes stay in this tab until you copy or download them. Nothing is published or saved to an account.

Open your CastMe projects ↗

An account is needed only when you choose to create or manage a project.

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The people behind the film

Complete film credits

Every credit, in the order supplied.
Film credits are not claims of CastMe membership.

Colm

  • Keavan Jones

Séamus

  • Leon Folan

Brendan

  • Liam O’Caoimh

Writer & Director / Executive Producer / Editor / Foley Artist

  • Seán Leahy

Producer / First Assistant Director

  • Hazel Cronin

Producer / Second Assistant Director

  • Emma Coleman

Director of Photography / Colourist

  • Adam Barry-Murphy

Camera Assistant

  • Max Forbes

Composer

  • Mathias Levy Valensi

Sound Recordist / Foley Artist

  • David Slemon

Sound Recordist / Boom Operator / Foley Artist

  • Daire Smiddy
About this feature

Go inside For Séamus with the film, trailer, credits and images supplied by Seán Leahy, alongside his official commentary, storyboard comparison, behind-the-scenes feature and deleted scenes, hosted here on CastMe.

The film synopsis and supplied credits are retained. CastMe’s practice prompts and general role guidance are separate from the filmmaker’s material; they do not describe any credited person’s individual duties.