Deadline: 30 August 2024
Applications are now open for the 2024-25 New Shorts Focus fiction development scheme, supported by Northern Ireland Screen and the BFI.
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 Writer Focus has become a springboard for up and coming local writers, having previously supported projects including Caroline from Village Films Belfast, Farset Film’s The Girl with the Lion, Bad Vibes from Poli Productions and more.
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.
Northern Ireland Screen, in partnership with the BFI, is dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion within the film industry. They actively collaborate with practitioners from the disabled filmmaking community to ensure genuine portrayals of disability and to improve industry access. They advocate for thoughtful casting of d/Deaf and disabled actors and encourage non-specific casting to create roles that increase visibility without focusing solely on disability as a theme.
Funding Information
- 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.
- Number of projects: 6 projects will be chosen to go through a development process starting in October 2024 and finishing in March 2025.
- Development process: Six-month development process with up to 3 projects selected to move into production after the initial development period.
Who can apply?
- 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.
- 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.
For more information, visit Northern Ireland Screen.
