Expression of Interest

Burn Your Scripts – The Craft of Non-Fiction Filmmaking (Practical Edition)

Dates: Two weekends (dates TBC)

Duration: 4 days of learning (across two weekends)

Cost: Free

Venue: CREW, Galway

Tutor: Paul Webster

Crew Academy West is an initiative of Screen Ireland, managed by Atlantic Academy.

NTA Film & TV Drama is an initiative of Screen Ireland, managed by Ardán

Course Overview

This expanded version of Burn Your Scripts explores the craft, responsibility and creative potential of non-fiction filmmaking, from finding the right story to shaping a compelling final piece. This iteration includes a hands-on practical element, allowing participants to apply documentary theory in a supported, real-world context.

• Introduction to Cinematic Short Documentary
• Case studies: The Vasectomy Doctor and Canine
• Finding and shaping real stories
• Documentary genres and formats
• Working with contributors and managing real-life subjects
• Documentary craft vs drama craft
• Interview techniques
• Working with archive
• Collaborating with DOPs and documentary crews
• The editing process
• Long-form documentary: Features, Series & Factual TV
• Developing pitch decks and sizzle trailers
• Pitching workshops

Participant Profile

This course is aimed at emerging screen professionals with prior experience in the audio-visual sector who are interested in stepping more fully into non-fiction filmmaking.

• Have worked on short films, television or other professional productions
• Be ready to develop their documentary skillset
• Be at a stage where practical exploration will support career progression

Practical Element – Equipment & Support

As this iteration includes a hands-on element, applicants will be asked to outline:

• What equipment access they currently have (camera, sound, editing software etc.)
• Whether they would require access to specific equipment to take part
• Any additional access needs or supports required to fully participate

This information will help shape delivery and ensure equitable access for all selected participants.

Expression of Interest Procedure

Please register your interest via the online form LINK by March 2nd 2026

The Expression of Interest form will ask about your current role and experience, your interest in documentary filmmaking, and any equipment or support needs.

Film & TV Crew Academy West courses are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

For technical issues with the application system, please contact: lorraine.higgins@nationaltalentacademies.ie

About the Tutor

Paul Webster is an Irish filmmaker driven to make entertaining, fun and touching films about real people that connect with audiences in a meaningful way. His short film The Vasectomy Doctor was nominated for an Irish Film Academy Award and won over 20 awards internationally. His most recent short, Canine, won the Audience Award for Best Short Film at Cork International Film Festival and screened at Tribeca Film Festival 2024. He recently completed a feature documentary examining Ireland’s housing crisis, described by the Irish Independent as 'brisk and absorbing.' He is currently developing several ambitious documentary projects.