The National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama (NTAFT), with Black & Irish (B&I) and BNI Media, would like to announce the return of this mentorship programme for new and emerging writers, directors, and producers.
Black & Irish is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the lives of Black and Mixed-Race Irish people. Its mission is to advocate for the Black community in Ireland, build connections between Black communities and wider Irish society, and educate everyone in Ireland to adopt an anti-racist mindset.
About the Mentorship Programme:
This Mentorship Scheme aims to support Black, Mixed-Race, People of Colour, and individuals from multicultural backgrounds living in Ireland by providing one-to-one mentoring to support their professional and career development within the film and television industry.
We are currently inviting expressions of interest from creatives who would like to act as mentors. An open call for mentees will launch in early April 2026.
Interested mentors are asked to read the information below carefully and submit their expression of interest by 12 noon on 27 March.
Mentors will be paid for their time.
Who Can Apply:
While Mentees will be new and emerging writers, directors, script editors and producers working in live-action drama for film and television.
We welcome mentors from across the screen and media industries, with a particular emphasis on writers, directors, script editors and producers. We also welcome mentors with experience in areas such as development, leadership, wellbeing, marketing, audience engagement, business development, creative practice and entrepreneurship, as well as the wider creative sectors.
We are open to both individual mentors and mentorship teams, depending on working practice, role, and mentorship proposal. Mentors may be based in Ireland or internationally.
While mentors from all backgrounds are welcome, this call is particularly aimed at mentors who can support mentees, from the above backgrounds, through relevant lived experience.
Mentors will be asked to take Screen Ireland’s self-lead mentoring ‘Mentoring for Mentors’ session before starting the mentorship.
Dates/Duration:
Approx. May- November 2026. Set hours and times will be at the discretion of the mentor/mentee team.
Please note the above dates are flexible but it is advised that mentors with very busy schedules should ensure they are available for this time commitment before applying.
Deadline to submit: March 27th at 12 Noon
How To Apply:
Interested Mentors must complete the form linked HERE
In this form you will be asked to supply a download (Google Drive or Dropbox preferred) link with the follow materials:
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Media CV or Work Bio or Document with website/showreel/screener links – detailing relevant experience.
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A short personal statement and mentorship proposal, detailing what you can offer as a mentor.
Examples of mentoring: one-to-one support, feedback sessions, honing of career or networking skills, life-work balance or wellbeing advice, self-marketing/promotion or business or career upskilling and development. We are open to all suggestions.
(Statements can be up to 2 pages or a filmed statement of up to 3 minutes.
An incomplete form will not be taken into consideration.
How The Mentorship Will Work:
The selected mentors will be advertised on the NTA website. Interested writers, directors and/or producers will be invited to apply and asked to select a mentor(s)
Mentors and mentees will be matched by B&I, BNI Media and NTAFT with input from the mentors. Under the guidance of the NTAFT, and BNI Media, goals and expectations of the mentorship will be set. From here, the mentor and mentee will coordinate ten hours at their convenience (online and in person).
Selection Process:
The applications will be assessed by a panel to include representatives of the NTAFT, BNI Media, Black & Irish, and independent external assessors.
This is an open application process. In some instances, however, the NTA Film & TV may work with industry stakeholders including the Guilds, Black & Irish and Screen Ireland to identify talent who are ready to progress and encourage them to apply.
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.
Further Information:
For any questions, please email eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie
The National Talent Academy Film and TV an initiative of Screen Ireland managed by Ardán.
About Black & Irish:
‘Empowering Black and Irish Communities for an Inclusive Ireland.’
Black and Irish was established with the mission of enhancing the life of Black and Irish people. We aim to work with strategic partners across various areas of society, especially in the areas of Advocacy, Community and Education. Our vision is to create a more equal and inclusive Ireland and improve the quality of life for black and mixed race people in Ireland. Visit blackandirish.com for more information.
About BNI:
BNI Media is a new media network spin off from the Black and Irish organisation. Its purpose is to tell inspiring and creative stories from underrepresented communities and bring a new wave of Black and minority ethnic media to Europe and the world.
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