Daragh Nolan, 17 Dec
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.
The First Credit Short Film Scheme targets new entrants to the
industry. It aims to support them 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 skillsets and moving
into new writing and directing roles.
The NTAFT and NTAA will host online and in-person registration and
information days for those interested in applying. The dates are:
For Live Action:
Short Film Fund Info Sessions
Day One: February 13, Online (evening)
Day Two: February 23, Dublin (morning)
First Credit Short Film Scheme Registration Days
Day One: January 23, Dublin (afternoon)
Day Two: February 15, Limerick (afternoon)
Day Three: March 6, Online (evening)
For Animation:
Day One: January 18, Dublin, 12- 3 pm.
Day Two: January, 21 Athlone, 6 pm.
Day Three: January 23, Online, 6 pm.
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 filmmaking 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."
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.”
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
This is a fantastic opportunity for new entrants to the industry to
gain their first funded credit
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.
The closing date for the First Credit Short Film Scheme applications
is March 14 at 10 a.m. The closing date for NTA Short Film Fund
applications is March 14 at 10 a.m.
More information on both schemes and the associated events can be found
on our website for animation visit: https://www.
nationaltalentacademies.ie/animation, and for live-action
visit: https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/film-tv