Northern Ireland Screen: New Shorts Focus
Overview
The annual scheme has been designed to support under-represented new and emerging writers and writer/directors residing in Northern Ireland by offering a well-organised development journey led by a development producer spanning six months, from October 2024 to March 2025.
New Shorts Focus offers an opportunity for talented individuals with at least one independently made or funded writer or writer/director credit at the short film level. This writer-led initiative is conducted entirely online, with monthly development meetings where participants can submit project drafts for review. Each submission will receive detailed script coverage to assist in re-drafting, creating a collaborative and supportive environment for creative growth.
Applicants are invited to submit up to two one-page outlines for initial consideration. It is important to note that completed scripts are not accepted at the application stage, and each submitted idea must be a stand-alone short film, not an extended trailer for a potential feature project.
This scheme exclusively supports short film fiction projects and is not open to animation or factual creative talent. Additionally, participants from previous years are not eligible to re-apply.
Who can apply
The scheme is open to entry level writers and writer/director applicants’ resident in Northern Ireland, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented within the film and television industry. There is the possibility of transport bursaries for participation on the development scheme if required.
Under-represented new and emerging Northern Ireland resident writer and writer/director talent with at least one previous independently made or funded writer or writer/director credit at short film level
Number of projects
6 projects will be chosen to go through a development process starting in October 2024 and finishing in March 2025
Six-month development process with up to 3 projects selected to move into production after the initial development period.
Production Budget
The final films should be deliverable on a budget of £11,500 including in-kind contribution of £1,500. The in-kind contribution is supplied by the attached production company