Becoming a Drama Researcher: A Creative Toolkit for TV and Film

National Talent Academy Film & TV Drama, with ALTAF TRAINING, presents a new online course, introducing participants, over 8 weeks, to the role of the researcher in live-action Drama. 

Course Overview :

This course aims to nurture a new generation of skilled researchers for Irish drama. Participants will learn to approach research as a creative and collaborative practice, one that serves the story and enriches its authenticity, depth, and imaginative scope. 

The programme fosters story-literate, collaborative, and creatively responsive researchers who combine rigorous research methods with creative insight. Participants will be equipped to support writers, producers, and development teams at every stage of the storytelling process, from concept to production, bringing research to life as a dynamic storytelling tool.  

The course will cover a range of topics, including:   

• The true role of research within a TV drama development and production pipeline. 
• Collaboration between writers, script editors, and producers to support world-building as well as character and story development.  
• Identifying credible sources and conducting effective interviews.   
• Using research as a tool to enhance authenticity, credibility, and navigate cultural sensitivity.  
• Effective prompt engineering to utilise AI effectively (but not blindly). 
• Translation of real-world research into story-relevant insights, case studies, and inspiration points. 
• Anticipation of ethical, legal, or copyright concerns without compromising storytelling ambition. 
• The special requirements of procedural dramas ie. Crime, legal, medical, policing, professional settings that demand reliable and consistent sources.  
• How to present and pitch research clearly. 

Who Can Apply:

  Applicants must be aged 18 or over, living and/or working on the island of Ireland, and not currently in full-time or part-time education. 

Once applicants meet the above eligibility requirements, anyone currently working in or aspiring to work in live-action drama film and television is welcome to apply. 

The course is suited to: 

• Entry-level or early-career individuals interested in a career as a researcher or in a creative role within the script department. 
• Writers, editors, filmmakers or crew members looking to diversify their skills or make a career shift. 
• Researchers currently working in drama production who have not previously received formal training. 

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from marginalised or underrepresented backgrounds, including those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ people, members of the Traveller community, migrants, and people from other ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Dates and Duration:

The course will take place online, one evening per week (approximately 6:00–9:00 pm), on the following dates/Tuesdays: 

• 2, 9, 16 December 2025 
• 6, 13, 20, 27 January 2026 
• 3 February 2026 

Please note: Homework (max 1-2 hours) is assigned allowing for independent research and reflection that will be discussed the following week.  

Please make sure you can commit to the majority of these dates before applying.  

How To Apply:

Applicants must apply by completing the application form HERE  

This application form will ask you to supply an open access sharing download link to the following materials/documents (Google Drive or Dropbox recommended)  

• CV, detailed professional/work biography or a detailed summary of work and credits to date (up to 2 pages or filmed statement of up to 3 minutes).  
• A Personal Statement detailing how this initiative will progress your career (up to 2 pages or filmed statement of up to 3 minutes).  

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.  

The deadline for applications is Monday 17th November at 12 Noon.  

Selection Process:  

The applications will be assessed by a panel which may include representatives of the National Talent Academy for Film & Television, ALTAF TRAINING, and independent external assessors.  

Further Information:

For any questions, please email filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie    

Cost associated with access cost will be covered in full by the NTA Film & TV.  

The NTA Film & TV reserves the right to make amendments to this initiative subject to funding, production landscape and health and safety requirements at the time of delivery.  

The National Talent Academy Film and TV is an initiative of Screen Ireland managed by Ardán.