National Talent Academy Film & TV Drama, with ALTAF TRAINING, announces the return of the popular 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, with a particular focus on continuing drama. Participants will learn to approach research as a creative and collaborative practice, one that enriches the authenticity, depth, and imaginative scope of the story.
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.
Participants will experience the real world dynamics of a story and script department when paired participants from the Story Skills Course, acting as their drama researcher to enhance story development with insightful research.
Applicants must be:
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:
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.
The course will take place online, one evening per week on Tuesday (6:00–9:00 pm), on the following dates:
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.
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):
Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
The deadline for applications is 28 September at 12 noon.
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.
For any questions, please email filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie
Costs associated with access requirements 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.
Bláthnaid Altaf is a storyteller with over 15 years experience as a TV writer and Script/Story Producer in continuing drama, with credits including Ros na Rún (TG4), Fair City (RTÉ) and Holby City (BBC). Starting out as a Drama researcher, Bláthnaid has been the creative lead behind hundreds of hours of television in Irish and English and spent six years as the Head of Department (Story and Script) at Ros na Rún. As a writer, Bláthnaid was awarded Cine4 funding to develop an original Irish-language feature with Danú Media. Through her company, Altaf Training, she designs and delivers practical, hands-on courses in story and scripting for TV and Film, focusing on real-world skills and industry readiness.
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