Director’s Lab

Applications Now Open for Director's Lab 

The Director's Lab is geared toward emerging diverse directors in early career stages and will provide award for them to explore and develop their creative vision. Directors can apply for an award of funding to support the execution and delivery of materials (showreel, proof of concept etc) to enhance their careers and projects materials to leverage further investment.   

Directors can apply for awards up to €5,000.  

Deadline: 3PM, Oct 28th 2022

Who Can Apply

Open to emerging Directors who are habitually resident in the regions (outside Dublin/Wicklow) or who identify as diverse (please see out  Diversity & Inclusion Policy) with a demonstrable level of relevant experience.  

• Directors must have previously directed at least on live action short films and/or feature film and/or soap and/or high-end commercials with a clear interest in developing a career in television drama & film. Note that applications from more experienced Directors from other fields (e.g. Documentary) who are looking to build on their body of work and move into a television drama may also be considered.  

How To Apply 

Applicants must apply by completing the linked application (applications now closed) . In this form you will be asked to supply a download (google drive or drobox preferred) link with the follow information.

• Media CV – detailing relevant experience. 
• One page proposal detailing how the award will be spent. The NTA: Film & TV is open to all suggestions. (Examples: VFX proof of concept, working with editor on showreel.) 
• Budget for the project
• A Personal Statement detailing how this initiative will progress your career (up to 2 pages or filmed statement of up to 3 minutes) 
• Please find the Application Form linked HERE (applications now closed)

Please note Directors can only apply once, with one proposal. This fund can not be used to fund a short or finish a project. It is for new, standalone projects only.

This is an open application process, however in some instances the NTA: Film & TV may work with industry stakeholders including the Screen Guilds to identify Talent who are ready to progress and encourage them to apply. 

The NTA: Film & TV are open to proposals of any medium (excluding Short Films), not just to aforementioned but please note proof of work and/or specific deliverable will be requested before final payment. 

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed by a panel of industry experts.  Up to approx. ten projects will be selected.  

Further Information 

Please email eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie with questions or for any further information. 

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