Working on sets such as Steven Spielberg’s ‘Saving Private Ryan’ & Mel Gibson’s ‘Braveheart’; it’s safe to say that Shane Wallace is one of Donegal’s most esteemed directors and producers.
Shane set up Wallace Media in 2003, who currently provides digital content, filming and editing services to a range of Broadcast and Corporate clients in Ireland, UK, Europe and America such as RTE. TV3, BBC, ITV, SKY, MHz Network, Donegal TV & Keep It Country TV.
Next up for Shane is a to film a number of events in Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio in Texas to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks in America with the Irish lead exhibition Ground Zero 360
This is Shane’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Inishowen – it’s home. I love spending time with my family, Naomi, Jonah & Harrison in many of the wonderful locations, such as Blanketnook at Newtowncunningham, Inch Levels, Grianán of Aileach, Fahan Beech, Buncara Shore Front, Green Castle, Stroove Beach, Kinigo Bay, Culdaff, Malin Head, Liag Beech (5 Fingers), Fort Dunree, Mamore Gap, Tullagh Bay, Isle of Doagh and finishing up is the beautiful scenic area at Fort Dunree.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
Weather, we need more sunshine!
(3) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
There is a number of great people here in the county that I look up to, Dr Gerry Lane, a consultant in emergency medicine In A&E at Letterkenny University Hospital. Dr Lane works in a very difficult job where he is not only dealing with people lives but also emotions. On the occasions where I’ve had the privilege to work with him, he has always been grounded and humble.
(4) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Very difficult to choose as both are fantastic people who have worked very hard in their careers, successful in what they do, always giving a helping hand and are always doing their bit to promote Donegal.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
May 2016 saw Hollywood’s top producers & the worlds top movie studio Disney using Donegal as a movie location for ‘Star Wars – Episode VIII’. What an endorsement for Donegal.
Credit to the people behind the scenes for all their hard work making that happen. ‘Star Wars’, the biggest movie franchise in Hollywood history and now Donegal is part of that. We had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Hamill – Luke Skywalker – who revealed that he loved his time in Donegal and plans to return.
(6) What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
I think there has been a lot of tragedy in Donegal over the years. For me it was the terrible fatal road collisions which saw the deaths of eight men in a crash in 2010
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal Tweed by Irish House Donegal Town
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh who is always promoting Donegal with great passion and enthusiasm in all corners of the globe
(9) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Mr Donagh Kelly Group CEO at KN Group, a fantastic story of how hard work & determination can create a successful business. Still plenty to come from Mr Kelly.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Has to be former Donegal GAA Senior Team Manager Jim McGuinness, 3 Ulster Titles, 1 All Ireland Championship Title and 1 All Ireland Runners up in 4 years, what a fantastic 4 year journey which Jim has lifted the spirits of the whole county during a time of terrible recession, job losses and emigration.
Commit, Focus, Believe, Achieve.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
The Silver Tassie Restaurant, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny. A fantastic location, friendly staff and tasty food.
(12) Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden Eagles
(13) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
How you doing?
(14) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Mental Health issues
(15) What is your favourite Donegal food?
Auntie Anne’s Apple Tart
(16) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Just the weather – the people are lovely!
(17) If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be?
More awareness, supports and help available for people struggling with mental health issues.
(18) Do you have a favourite local band?
The fantastic Johnny Gallagher & the Boxtie Band
(19) Is there anything that inspired you to pursue a career in media?
I was always interested in local media and then got the opportunity Working on the set of Steven Spielberg’s ‘Saving Private Ryan’ & Mel Gibson’s ‘Braveheart’ which was filmed in Ireland in 1994 and 1997.
It was a great experience and watching the way RTE put a news feature around the movie set was my main reason for getting into media production and the rest is history. “That’s the job for me”
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
Donegal people and being from the country, the sense of pride in the community and the way every parish comes together in times good and bad.
Recently Wallace Media has been commissioned to produce 2 x 48 Weekly minute Country music show’s for London based Keep It Country TV (Europe’s Only Country Music TV Channel) on Sky 389 – Freesat 516 & Freeview 87 “Shauna’s Country” which is presented by Shauna McStravock who is one of the most popular and brightest new female singers on the Irish Country Scene presenting her pick of classic country tracks as well as tomorrow’s hits and “What’s On” presented by Philip McLaughlin and Leanne Hallier which is information on the latest upcoming Country Music tours, gigs, venues and new CDs & DVD’s available.
TV3 has also increase their workload with Wallace Media during 2016.
Wallace Media is currently re-structuring their business model, cameras & editing facilities and plans to offer further digital media services for the broadcast & corporate sector at local & national level.
You can have a chat with Shane by calling 086 4063770 or email info@wallacemedia.ie
Tags: