Konrad Begg

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Konrad Begg
Born (1972-03-17) March 17, 1972 (age 52)
Ayr, Scotland
NationalityScottish
Occupation(s)Director, writer and producer
Years active1997–present
Known forTop Gear, Songs for Amy

Konrad Begg is a Scottish film and television director. He has directed numerous TV shows, most notably BBC's Top Gear.[1]

In 2012 he completed his first feature film, Songs For Amy. The Irish-based film had its European premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh and won the Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking award at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Begg also directs commercials through KODE London and Slash Dynamic in Los Angeles.

Career[edit]

Film[edit]

In 2012 Begg completed his debut feature film, Songs for Amy.[2] It was predominantly set in Kinvara, County Galway, though other scenes were shot in Galway City, Ireland and New York City, United States. The film starred Sean Maguire, Patrick Bergin, and James Cosmo. Songs for Amy is a dark comedy and was inspired by the music scene in the West of Ireland.[2]

Before its cinema release, Songs for Amy was selected for a raft of international film festivals. It won the Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking award at the Newport Beach Film Festival. It ranked fourth out of the 400 films at the Newport Beach Film Festival, based on the audience ratings.[3] The European premiere of the film was at the Galway Film Fleadh.[4][5]

Hot Press Magazine praised the film, calling it "The feelgood Irish Hit of the Year." The List magazine said, "This touching romp is so much more than Ireland’s answer to ‘The Hangover’", while the LA Times said that the film was "Taking the cliche out of the love story". The Daily Mirror's film critic David Edwards also praised the film, scoring it four out of five stars and saying "this indie flick was an unexpected treat."[6]

In 2021 Konrad completed the short film ′′Hireth′′ starring Tom Rhys Harries. The film had its premiere at Manns Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles and went on to screen at numerous international festivals garnering several award nominations. [7]

Begg's second feature film, The Detour, is currently in development.

Recognition[edit]

Filmography[edit]

Title Airing/release date Studio Position Format
Terror Alert 2004 BBC Director Television programme
Robbie Coltrane's B Road Britain 2007 ITV Director & writer Television programme
Serial Killers 2009 BBC Director & writer Television programme
Rivers with Griff Rhys Jones 2009 BBC Director & producer Television programme
Three Men go to Scotland 2010 BBC Director Television programme
Songs for Amy 2012 Sonny and Skye Productions Director & writer Film
Racing Legends 2012–13 BBC Director Television programme
Top Gear 2010–2014 BBC Director Television programme

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Top Gear Director Shooting Next Lexus NX 300h Commercials". autoevolution. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Interview: Konrad Begg, director of 'Songs for Amy'". Film Ireland. May 1, 2014.
  3. ^ Cummins, Steve (May 8, 2012). "Irish Feature 'Songs For Amy' Wins At Newport Beach Film Festival". Irish Film and Television Network.
  4. ^ Tyaransen, Olaf (August 16, 2012). "Their Amy is True". Hot Press.
  5. ^ English, Paul (February 8, 2013). "Still Game's Ford Kiernan is ditching gags for gigs in his new film which premieres this month". Daily Record.
  6. ^ Edwards, David (August 5, 2016). "Songs For Amy review: Crowd-pleasing Irish musical drama is a real treat". mirror.
  7. ^ "Shortlist 2021 – Flying High | 1.4".