EMERGE – The Emerging Producers Development Programme

EMERGE – The Emerging Producers Development Programme

EMERGE – Producers Development Programme (2025 - 2026)

Screen Producers Ireland and the National Talent Academy are bringing the second instalment of: EMERGE – The Emerging Producers Development Programme, a bespoke initiative for producers in the early stages of their career.

This programme is designed for 12 participants who represent a diverse network of new and emerging producers. EMERGE places a strong emphasis on GEDI (Gender, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion), ensuring that participants not only upskill and grow their professional knowledge but also help shape a more inclusive screen sector.

 

EMERGE will take place both in-person and online. The programme will include:

  • One in-person day each month, hosted in the Screen Producers Ireland office.
  • Evening workshops online, designed to complement participants’ professional schedules.
  • A group trip to FÍS TV Summit as part of the programme’s peer-learning and development journey.

 

This programme aims to:
  • Foster a strong peer and professional network of new and emerging producers in the screen sector.
  • Reduce the barriers for regional producers, and producers from diverse backgrounds to access the industry.
  • Give participants a better understanding of the AV landscape in Ireland.
  • Provide the tools to improve professional, business, and production skills.
  • Support talent in building a sustainable professional foundation in the early stages of their career.
  • Embed best practice in GEDI, sustainability, access, and safe working conditions from the outset of participants’ careers.

 

Course Profile: 

Although the final structure will be shaped by participant feedback, needs, and access requirements, the following proposed modules have been developed through SPI member research and focus groups. The programme will place a strong emphasis on scripted and unscripted development, while also ensuring participants gain the practical and professional skills needed to build a sustainable career.

Development: Scripted & Unscripted

  •  Pitching for TV, film, and factual projects
  •  Idea generation and development processes
  •  Navigating funding mechanisms and opportunities
  •  Understanding S481 and other financing structures

Building Your Company & Practice

  • HR and IR issues for small production companies
  • Understanding agreements and rights management
  • Policy landscape and navigating industry structures
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in practice

Personal & Professional Development

  • Approaching markets, festivals, and commissioning editors
  • Networking and relationship-building skills
  • Negotiation skills for scripted and unscripted contexts
  • Resilience and wellbeing for producers

 

There is no formal examination, but each participant is expected to return a short reflective journal entry for each module/session. We expect 60% attendance across all modules.

EMERGE is a stepping stone for producers’ development. On completion of the programme—and with additional professional experience—participants will be well-positioned to apply for the Screen Ireland Advanced Producers Programme and future NTA Film & TV training, shadowing and funding opportunities.

 

Dates/Duration: 

Running from Nov 2025 – into late 2026 (both online and in-person)

Participants will be responsible for their own travel cost. See more info below.

 

Who Can Apply:

New and emerging producers who have a keen and demonstrable interest in upskilling as a producer in TV, Features, Shorts, Live-action drama, documentary, and animation. 

The Emerge Programme 2025 delivers best-practice techniques, access to leading industry players and important upskilling, with the aim for emerging producers to enhance confidence and progression in the sector. This programme is applicable to junior producers and to those working in related roles such as casting, research, coordinator, production manager etc. The programme will also appeal to those returning to the sector, or wishing to diversify from other genres or related content sectors such as radio, digital or brand content, scripted etc. 

  • College graduates 
  • New producers 
  • Established producers / indies – changing career direction 
  • Career diversifiers (from complimentary sectors such as journalism, writing, digital content producers, animation, advertising) 
  • Skilled screen sector professionals interested in changing role 
  • Career Returners 

Applicants must be:

  • Be over 18 years of age
  • Be out of education (part time or full-time)
  • Residing in Ireland
  • Have previously produced at least one short film, music videos or commercials.
    • And/or a track record producing high-end corporate, marketing, social media videos and content.
    • And/or produced other media/mediums (including and limited to) theatre, podcasts, radio, and music.
    • And/or have worked in the screen sector across several projects (crew & cast etc), with a clear and demonstrated interest in developing a career as a producer.

We are open to applicants from additional backgrounds.

Applicants do NOT have to be a member of SPI to apply.

The NTAFT & SPI are keen to hear from producers from diverse backgrounds, and additionally regionally based producers from outside of Dublin and Wicklow.

 

An incomplete application will not be taken into consideration.   

Please address any questions to - eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie 

 

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).
  • A Personal Statement detailing how this initiative will progress your career (up to 2 pages or filmed statement of up to 3 minutes).
Deadline To Apply is  31st of October at 12 Noon.
 
Selection Process:

The applications will be assessed by a panel including representatives of the National Talent Academy for Film & Television, Screen Producers Ireland, and independent external assessors. 

Selected participants will be notified within approx. four weeks of the application deadline.

 

Further Information

Course cost is free. Participants will be responsible for their own travel cost. Note, travel bursaries for participants from social economically disadvantaged areas, situations or communities will be available on application.

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

Please note Applicants who have already completed the Advanced Producers Programme are not eligible for EMERGE.

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.