Fís Éireann / Screen IrelandFís Éireann / Screen Ireland (FÉ / SI) is the national agency for the development of Irish cinema and the Irish film, television and animation industry. announced that applications are now open for the television comedy round of Spotlight, Screen Ireland’s flagship screenwriting talent 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.
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, with a focus on voices that represent the full diversity of modern Irish cultural life. We’re excited to launch this new iteration of Spotlight and to discover the next generation of Irish comedy writers with the program.
Désirée Finnegan, Managing Director – Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
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. Program mentors and contributors will include ITV writers and producers Holding, Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Karen Cogan, and Extra ordinary writer / director team Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.
The ongoing goal of the Spotlight program is to discover and empower a wide variety of new and aspiring screenwriters with original and authentic voices. We are delighted to open applications for this TV comedy. Our goal is to come up with the coolest, funniest ideas with a focus on currently under-represented voices.
Eimear Markey, Development Manager – Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
The deadline for submissions to Spotlight 2022: TV Comedy will be at 1 p.m. on Monday 10e January 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. Screen Ireland strongly encourages applications from applicants who have never applied to Screen Ireland and have no previous credit as a feature film or television screenwriter.
You can find the full guidelines on the new Spotlight Writing Program and how to apply here.