 
Errol Kelly:
The mastermind behind the MR Tele-cinema Park
by Ruwini Jayawardana
The Mahinda Rajapaksa National
Tele-cinema Park in Ranmihithenna, Tissamaharame, sprawling 235 acres of
land with a cost of Rs. 600 million for the first phase, was declared
open recently amidst celebrations.
Many voiced admiration over the sets designed by Sri Lanka’s reputed
Art Director Errol Kelly. A modern studio and sets relating to
hospitals, police stations, courts and backdrops which can be turned
into any kind of environment imaginable lay scattered around the park.
Lodging facilities for about 100 persons, restaurants, workshop
buildings, vehicle parks, an administration building, service buildings
and other equipment also boost the morale of the artistes who gathered
to witness and take part in the proceedings.
 “There will be an indoor stadium and a swimming pool to shoot
underwater scenes. There is still a lot of work to be done to complete
the project so that any kind of scene could be shot at the location.
Sets in which you can move the concrete columns around to suit the
shooting environment is part of the package. The backdrop is built in a
manner where you can change its face to suite your requirement,” Kelly
shed light on the future plans of the project.
He also said that having to hunt for village and street backdrops for
inspired him to taking on the task of creating an environment so that
teledrama and movie makers can shoot their creations under one roof. He
added that director Sudath Rohana is currently shooting some scenes of
his newest teledrama at the park.
“Another positive aspect linked with the project is that there will
be workshops to train aspiring artistes. I am satisfied with the
constructions and, hopefully, work will run smoothly,” he noted.
With more than 30 years of experience working with globally renowned
names such as Steven Spielberg, Kelly is no stranger to arts and cinema.
He had started off in the Art Department of Lester James Peries’ ‘God
King’ before proceeding on to some of his other projects.
Creativity is one of his inborn talents and his splendid set designs
soon came to light. He was soon working on the sets of Spielberg’s
‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’. Kelly was also the Design
Consultant in Deepa Mehta’s ‘Water’. He engaged with Mehta’s brother in
this task. Kevin Connor’s ‘Mother Theresa’ was up next.
 He says that every country has its own unique form of Art Directing.
Apart form choosing the locations some Art Directors even engage in
designing the costumes.
Having designed sets for nearly 100 local and foreign productions he
had to dedicate the best of his creative knowledge in designing the
Mahinda Rajapaksa Tele-cinema Park.
His advice to newcomers is, “You have to be honest in what you do.
This is a time consuming task so dedication is a must. If you are not
willing to spare time to give your best to a project it is best to find
another profession.”
Kelly is a part of the ‘Film Team’, a movie company which strives to
promote Sri Lanka as a film location.
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