Joyride is set to film at a variety of locations around Kerry in July, with many locals signed on as extras.
Plot details have been kept under wraps but we do know Colman and 14-year-old Kildare actor Charlie Reid play an unlikely duo who set off on an adventure together.
The film is directed by Irish filmmaker Emer Reynolds, who won an Emmy for her 2017 space exploration documentary The Farthest. Joyride marks her first time helming a fictional feature film.
Kerry College graduate Ailbhe Keegan penned the screenplay. As a board member of the Kerry International Film Festival, Keegan played a key role in the decision to shoot the movie in her home county. "(Kerry Film Development Officer) Siobhan O’Sullivan and I worked closely to attract this production to Kerry," she said. "Despite its outstanding beauty and the fact the story is set here does not guarantee the production can film in a regional setting. Screen Kerry did colossal work to ensure we could compete favourably with the East coast."
The production was greatly assisted by Screen Kerry, the Kerry Film Office, who played a vital role in helping the production find accommodation, hire local crews and make connections with local film talent. Speaking of the importance of such productions to the county, Kerry Film Development Officer Siobhan O'Sullivan said "The energy and economic impact that a production brings to a locality can’t be underestimated. This film is providing opportunities for local trainees and entry level crew to gain experience while working in a highly professional environment. We’re thrilled to have Joyride shooting here this summer and look forward to bringing far more productions to the county."
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney expressed his delight at the production choosing to shoot in his county. "I am delighted that Kerry County Council and the Creative Ireland Kerry programme have supported the filming of Joyride in Kerry," he said. "Hosting a feature film on location in the county provides great opportunities and experience for those involved in the creative industry locally as well as affirming Kerry’s reputation as a great location for the film industry. I wish everyone involved in the production all the very best."
A production base has been set up at Kerry College Monavalley, with students from the Broadcast Production Skills course gaining vital hands-on experience of working on a large-scale film production. Campus Manager Con O'Sullivan said "Learners on our Broadcast Production course have enjoyed a unique opportunity to work on what is set to be a production of international acclaim. This will unquestionably raise the profile of Kerry as a destination for such productions while also serving as a testament to the quality of training provided by Kerry College."
Colman arrives in Ireland having recently been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance as Anthony Hopkins' daughter in The Father. In 2018 she scooped the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in caustic period drama The Favourite, which also filmed scenes in Ireland.
The British actress's rise occurred relatively late in her career, having spent much of the 2000s appearing in small roles in British TV shows like Black Books, The Office and Doctor Who. In 2011 her profile was boosted with an acclaimed role in actor Paddy Considine's directorial debut, the harrowing domestic abuse drama Tyrannosaur. Colman found herself in instant demand for roles in TV and film on both sides of the Atlantic. She may be now most recognised for playing Queen Elizabeth in the third and fourth season of Netflix's hit royal family drama The Crown.
