Crew East | Passport to Production

Course Name: Passport to Production

Dates:

• Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd, Friday 27th, Saturday 28th, and Sunday 29th March 2026 for the course.
• The 3-week paid work placements will take place over April/May/June  2026.

Duration:

• 6 full days over 2 weekends.
• A 3-week paid structured work placement.
• 6 hours pre-course self-led learning.

Cost: Free

Venue: In-person delivery, venue to be confirmed, in the Dublin/Wicklow area.

Course Profile:

This course will run on the following dates in March 2026:

• Friday 20th
• Saturday 21st
• Sunday 22nd
• Friday 27th
• Saturday 28th
• Sunday 29th

The consecutive 3-week paid work placements will take place over April, May, and June  2026.

Programme Overview:

• Run by the National Talent Academies: Film & TV Crew Academy East.
• It is a Screen Ireland flagship programme.
• Validated by Technological University Dublin as a level 6 QQI 10 ECTS credit programme.
• Aims to drive wider representation in the creative screen industry.
• Encourages new entrants from diverse and underrepresented groups.
• Facilitated and delivered by industry experts including tutors, guest speakers, and panellists.

Skills Covered:

• Broad overview of all departments.
• Practical elements including group activities, industry panel experts, and case studies.
• Important elements such as Health and Safety, set etiquette, script breakdown, self-management, and soft skills in the industry.
• Future skills including problem-solving, adaptive thinking, creative collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

Work Placement:

• 3-week structured work placement.

Units of Learning:

Future Proofing on the Job:

• Emotional Intelligence: Building self-awareness, motivation, empathy, social skills, and confidence
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Cultivating a great team environment, active listening, and giving feedback effectively
• Managing Stress
• Creative Thinking
• User-Centred Approach and Brainstorming

The 360 of Set Etiquette:

• Who’s who?
• How Departments Interact
• Radio Etiquette
• Sensitivity around Cast and Crew
• Production Terminology and Jargon
• Essential Production Paperwork
• Copyright, Product Placement, and Clearances Basics
• Script Breakdown with a Practical Exercise
• Overview of Basic Financial Accounts for Film and TV Drama
• Technical Jargon on Set

Health and Safety on Set:

• Legislation and Risk Assessments
• Film Set Safety Protocol and Culture
• Role as a Crew Member
• Departmental Hazards in Production
• Bullying and Harassment

Self-Management in the Industry:

• Navigating the Industry
• Managing as a Freelancer
• STAR Technique
• CV Clinic
• HR Basics
• Getting Your First Job
• Reading Contracts
• Essential Networking

Participant Profile:

• New Entrants – moving into trainee level.
• Aimed at those wanting to work in the live-action film and TV industry in a below-the-line role (NOT Writers, Directors, or Producers).
• Must be of working age and NOT in full-time education.

Application Procedure:

• Apply online here by 12pm on Thursday 5th Feb, 2026.
• Limited to 16 participants, based on application and interview.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• If interview stage is reached, they will take place on Weds 18th Feb and Thursday 19th Feb 2026.

For technical difficulties, email crew.east@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Selection Criteria:

• Quality of application and proven interest relevant to the course and participant profile.
• No CVs accepted; outline all relevant experience in the application form.
• Open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
• This Passport to Production Programme will prioritise applicants looking to work in the Assistant Directors, Accounts, Art (Buyers, Set Decorators), Costume,  Grips, Locations, Sound, and VFX departments.

Reasonable Accommodations:
We aim to accommodate all attendees to help ensure they can successfully participate in our programmes. Adjustments or modifications will be made to help those with disabilities fully participate in our training events.

Tutor Profiles:

Pippa Robertson:

• Worked in the film industry for 10 years.
• Experience as AD and Assistant Production Coordinator.
• Worked with Screen Guilds Ireland (SGI).
• Contributed to SGI/Screen Ireland’s Competency Frameworks.
• Coordinates training courses with Screen Ireland

Rosie Barrett:

• 7 years working in the Irish Film and Television industry.
• Writer, director, producer and stills photographer.
• Honours Degree in Visual Communications from IADT.
• Works as a Workplace Support Officer with the National Talent Academies.

 

Crew Academy East is managed by Clermont Enterprise Hub CLG