Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland (Screen Ireland) is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the TV comedy cycle of Spotlight, Screen Ireland’s flagship screenwriters program aimed at discovering and developing new, fresh and exciting voices.
The Spotlight 2022 program will take place in smaller thematic cycles in specific creative disciplines, genres and formats. The first round of the program will focus on television comedy. Applications are encouraged by aspiring comedy screenwriters with experience and / or a demonstrated interest in comedy (stand-up, radio, short film, literature and digital content) and a strong idea to develop as a television pilot. The program is designed as an opportunity for new writers to develop a project with the guidance and mentorship of industry figures early in their writing careers.
Désirée Finnegan, Managing Director of Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, said: “A key objective of Screen Ireland’s new strategic plan, Building For A Creative Future, is the support and development of new and emerging creative talent, focusing on emphasis on voices that represent the full diversity of modern Irish cultural life. We are excited to launch this new version of Spotlight and to discover the next generation of Irish comedy writers with this program. “
Up to 10 participants will be selected to develop a bible and a pilot episode for a 30 minute television comedy or comedy drama series. Successful applicants will work with script editors and industry mentors throughout the duration of the program. Grants of € 10,000 for an individual or € 12,000 for teams of two or more authors will be available.
In partnership with the new National Talent Academy for Film and Television, the new screenwriters will participate in a structured program, including a series of virtual webinars and masterclasses, as well as an industry networking event. The deadline for submissions to Spotlight 2022: TV Comedy will be 1 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022.
Screen Ireland is committed to developing projects that are inclusive and representative of modern Ireland. As such, the organization strongly encourages and actively seeks applications from a wide range of voices, especially those from minority ethnic groups currently under-represented in the film industry in Ireland.
Please note that this program is aimed at new, emerging, and under-represented voices with an early-stage comedy career track record and a clear ambition to work as a comedy writer. They strongly encourage applications from applicants who have never applied to Screen Ireland and have no previous credit as a feature film or TV screenwriter.
For more information, log on to https://www.screenireland.ie/funding/development-loans/spotlight-development-scheme-tv-comedy/.