First Credit Short Film Scheme: Animation Registration Days (2026)

First Credit Short Film Scheme: Animation Registration Day

The NTAA are excited to invite new filmmakers to attend a registration day for anyone interested in applying to the Animation First Credit Short Film Scheme 2026.

What is the First Credit Short Film Scheme?

If you are a Writer, Director or Producer yet to make your mark in the live action or animation industry, this initiative from NTA Film & TV Drama and NTA Animation aims to support you in creating a short film and gaining your first professional credit as a Writer, Director, or Producer.

The First Credit Short Film Scheme is targeted at new filmmakers, with the backing of a €8,000 fund that will provide the filmmaking team with carefully tailored mentoring, training, and workshops delivered by experienced industry professionals over the course of a year. Not only will this scheme help you get a short film made, but it is also heavily focused on skills development and supporting you in kickstarting and establishing a career in film, TV and animation.

This is an unparalleled opportunity which opens a door into the industry and will enable participants to create a solid foundation upon which to forge their own path and grow a successful career.

Who can attend?

If you meet the applicant requirements, are submitting an application to the Animation First Credit Short Film Scheme and/or if you are an aspiring Writer, Director, or Producer who is new to the industry, with no prior funded films to your name, you are welcome to register and attend this event.

Attending at least one registration day is compulsory if you wish to submit a formal application to the First Credit Short Film Scheme.

Bear in mind that applications to the scheme are made as a team which must include a Writer, a Director, and a Producer or a Writer/Director and a Producer.

The registration day will provide a unique opportunity for filmmakers, looking for team members, to have an opportunity to network with each other.

Registration Day Event Details

We are running two registration days in 2026. One day is in-person and one will be online via Zoom. (Location TBA.)

Day One: January 17th Dublin (12pm - 3pm)
Day Two: January 21st Online (6pm - 8pm)

Each day will kick off with an introduction from the NTAA about the First Credit Short Film Scheme. NTAA staff will then run a Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to ask any questions that they have. If you are taking part in the online event, you will be able to submit questions when completing the RSVP form.

After a short break, the event will conclude with a networking session where all attendees can mingle and discuss potential projects.

After attending the registration day, participants will be given an individual link to apply for the scheme and an ‘Application Resource Pack’ with industry standard templates, reference documents, and other materials.

How To RSVP:

If you RSVP to take part in a registration day, your place is automatically confirmed.

You will receive the time & location details or Zoom link closer to the meeting date.

Please list any access requirements that are needed when submitting an RSVP.

The deadline to RSVP for any of our three registration days is 48 hours before the event’s start time or when the list reaches capacity. RSVP are first come, first served.

Further Information

This event is for Animation applicants only.

More information about the application process, eligibility and guidelines for the First Credit Short Film Scheme is available HERE

For any queries about this event and in general, you can contact NTA Animation animation@nationaltalentacademies.ie or NTA Film & TV Drama at liveaction.shorts@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Please read the guidelines in detail before emailing.

The National Talent Academy Animation is an initiative of Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann and is managed by Animation Ireland.