| Konrad Begg | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1972-03-17) 17 March 1972 (age 52) Ayr, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation(s) | Director, writer and producer |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Known for | Top Gear, Songs for Amy |
Konrad Begg (born 17 March 1972) is a Scottish film and television director. He has directed numerous TV shows, most notably BBC's Top Gear.
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
Film
In 2012, Begg completed his debut feature film, Songs for Amy. 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.
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. The European premiere of the film was at the Galway Film Fleadh.
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."
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.
Begg's second feature film, The Detour, is currently in development.
Recognition
- BAFTA – Television Craft Awards nomination (2012).
- BAFTA Scotland – nomination (2007).
- Newport Beach Film Festival – Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking (2012).
- Royal Television Society Award (2013).
Filmography
| 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
- "Top Gear Director Shooting Next Lexus NX 300h Commercials". autoevolution. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
- ^ "Interview: Konrad Begg, director of 'Songs for Amy'". Film Ireland. 1 May 2014.
- Cummins, Steve (8 May 2012). "Irish Feature 'Songs For Amy' Wins At Newport Beach Film Festival". Irish Film and Television Network.
- Tyaransen, Olaf (16 August 2012). "Their Amy is True". Hot Press.
- English, Paul (8 February 2013). "Still Game's Ford Kiernan is ditching gags for gigs in his new film which premieres this month". Daily Record.
- Edwards, David (5 August 2016). "Songs For Amy review: Crowd-pleasing Irish musical drama is a real treat". mirror.
- "Shortlist 2021 – Flying High | 1.4".