The National Talent Academies (as part of Screen Ireland) returns for its second year to offer budding creatives from all walks of life the opportunity to receive up to €15,000 to create a short film with the guidance of some of the film industry’s best mentors.
The National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama (NTAFT) and National Talent Academy for Animation (NTAA) together with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland have announced that applications are now open for two short film funding initiatives for both live-action and animation projects, which will run from Mid 2025 to January 2026.
The schemes, “The First Credit Short Film Scheme” and the “NTA Short Film Fund” first launched in 2024, aim to address a skills gap in the industry, and welcome all those with an interest in Film, TV, or Animation to apply.
Targeting new entrants to the industry, the First Credit Short Film Scheme aims to support newcomers in gaining their first professional credits as Writers, Directors, or Producers in Film and Animation. The NTA Short Film Fund is targeted at those already working within the industry, supporting creatives in expanding their skill-sets and moving into new writing and directing roles.
Commenting on the scheme, Deirdre Barry, Programme Director for NTA Animation said: “The National Talent Academies is thrilled to invite all budding creatives to apply for these initiatives. This is an unparalleled opportunity for those interested in film, TV, or animation from all walks of life and backgrounds to enter the industry and gain invaluable guidance to forge a new path and successful career. By focusing on skills development, the successful film-making teams will have the opportunity to take part in a programme of carefully tailored mentoring, training, and workshops, which experienced industry professionals will deliver over several months.”
First Credit Short Film Scheme
With a budget of €8,000 each, the First Credit Short Film Scheme will fund up to three live-action drama and three animation projects in 2025, which looks like a fantastic opportunity for new entrants to the industry to gain their first funded credit. The closing date for the First Credit Short Film Scheme applications is March 14th at 10am.
The NTA Short Film Fund
With a budget of €15,000 each, the NTA Short Film Fund will fund up to three live-action drama and up to three animation projects in 2025. Last year, a Director of Photography, a Script Supervisor, and a Documentary Filmmaker received a live-action credit following selection for the fund. 2024 recipients of the award include Directors Kim Bartley for Stray, and Dave Moran for Romance is Dad. The closing date for NTA Short Film Fund applications is March 14th at 10am.
The NTAFT and NTAA will host online and in-person registration and information days for those interested in applying. The dates are as follows:
For Live Action:
Short Film Fund Info Sessions
Day One: February 13th, Online (evening)
Day Two: February 23rd, Dublin (morning)
First Credit Short Film Scheme Registration Days
Day One: January 23rd, Dublin (afternoon)
Day Two: February 15th, Limerick (afternoon)
Day Three: March 6th, Online (evening)
For Animation:
Day One: January 18th, Dublin, 12- 3 pm.
Day Two: January, 21st Athlone, 6 pm.
Day Three: January 23rd, Online, 6 pm.
Dave Moran, Director of the live-action NTA Short Film ‘Romance is Dad’ added: “The NTA’s Short Film Fund is designed to create opportunities for career progression among experienced crew. The scheme is more than a bursary to make a short film, there are shadowing and mentoring opportunities coupled with a toolbox of practical workshops to guide through the process and for ‘what comes next’. I’ve worked in this industry for over fifteen years, and I’ve been blown away by the insightful and nurturing curation of this scheme from the NTA Film & TV and it has reminded me of why I wanted to work in this industry.”
More information on both schemes and the associated events can be found on their website for animation visit: https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/animation, and for live-action visit: https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/film-tv
Good luck!
