FÍS TV Summit Unscripted Pitching Competition 2026

FÍS TV Summit Unscripted Pitching Competition 2026

Do you have the next big idea of an unscripted television show? 
The NTA Film and TV Drama in collaboration with Ardán and FÍS TV Summit are delighted to invite aspiring creators to submit their innovative unscripted TV show ideas for a chance to pitch to a room of industry professionals at this year's TV Summit, taking place on Thursday 26th February 2026.  

With the success of The Traitors Ireland it has shown that there is a demand from the public for more unscripted content and this is your chance to pitch your new idea to industry leaders and decision-makers, connect with professionals who can turn your vision into reality and could lead to development deals and production opportunities.   

Up to six participants will be selected to pitch at the FÍS TV Summit. They will take part in various workshops in the lead up to FÍS designed to help them hone their ideas and pitching skills for the competition.  

The winning pitch as voted by industry experts will get a €1,000 prize, with the main incentive being the chance to get it heard by industry heavy weights.  

New Síol Award 

We are privileged to announce that this year’s NTAFT Pitching Competition will introduce a new award – the Síol award – in memory of the late, great Máire Ní Thuathail. Máire Ní Thuathail was an Irish television producer, best known for her lead role in producing the long-running Irish-language soap opera Ros na Rún. Ní Thuathail, who passed away in 2016 after illness, was privately awarded the Ceantar Scannán Award for her life’s work. At the 2026 FÍS TV Summit, the Pitching Competition will introduce the Síol award in her honour.  

 

Who Can Apply:  

A individual or team of two that are working on new, original, unscripted entertainment formats.  

Eligible projects are:  

  • Premium Entertainment (studio or in the field) 
  • Competition and Studio Game Shows 
  • Formatted Reality & Social experiment Series.  
  • Documentary and docuseries projects are NOT eligible.  

Applicants must be; 

  • Over 18  
  • Out of education (full-time)  
  • Residing in Ireland  
  • Be available for the workshops in Jan & Feb.
  • Be available for the FÍS TV Summit on 25th & 26th February 2026 

The NTAFT & Ardán are keen to hear from creatives from diverse backgrounds, and additionally regionally based talent and productions.    

 
How To Apply:   

Applicants must apply by completing the application form link HERE   

This application form will ask you to supply a download link to the following materials / documents.  Please have documents as separate files. 

  • CV for applicant(s) 
  • A 60 - 90 second video elevator pitch of the idea. 
  • Pitch Deck in PDF Format (Details of Pitch Deck Below) 
  • Signed declaration of ownership of all materials.   

Deadline for applications for the FÍS TV Summit Pitching Competition is noon on 12th January 2026. 


Applications will not be accepted after that date. An incomplete application will not be taken into consideration. 

Further Information: 

The NTA Film & TV Drama 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 NTA Film & TV is an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, managed by Ardán.  

Please note the only formats at this time we are seeking are Primetime Entertainment (non-documentary), Reality & Social Experiment, Competition and Studio-Based gameshows. 

For more information contact Kenny@ardan.ie     

 

Pitch Deck (for context the Pitch Deck should include, where applicable): 

A) Title Page 

B) Logline / 2 line elevator pitch  

C) Concept & Overview 

  • The core idea: what makes your format distinct and what “promise” it offers the audience. 
  • Genre, tone, and style (e.g., competition, reality, social experiment, global format potential). 
  • Format specifics: unscripted/format show, episode length (30' / 60'), number of episodes per season, expected number of seasons. 
  • What the audience gains: entertainment value, transformation, emotional connection, suspense, humor, etc. 

D) Format Mechanics / Structure / Key Format Beats 

  • Breakdown of how a typical episode works: structure, segments, rounds, or recurring elements. 
  • Rules or parameters (for competition or challenge-based formats). 
  • How episodes reset or evolve across a season. 
  • Unique production elements (live audience, interactive components, contestant journey, international scalability). 

E) Characters / Participants / Talent 

  • Profiles of key recurring participants, contestants, or personalities. 
  • Host concept: type of personality or presenter who fits the show. 
  • Participant journey: what’s at stake for them (and why audiences will care). 

F) Visual Style & Tone 

  • How the show will look and feel: lighting, camera style, pacing, production values, set design. 
  • Reference comparisons (“Think X meets Y”) to communicate tone and visual direction. 

G) Target Audience, Market Positioning & Why This Format Now 

  • Define the target demographic (age, gender, psychographics). 
  • Identify market positioning: where the show fits, what gap it fills, and how it stands out. 
  • International potential: can the format travel or be adapted globally? 
  • Explain relevance and timeliness: what trends, cultural shifts, or audience demands it taps into. 
  • Summarize why this is a compelling, timely concept for commissioners right now. 

H) Creative Team & Credentials 

  • Profiles, links and bios of the creator(s), producer(s), director(s), and any attached talent or host. 
  • Prior credits or successes that demonstrate experience and capability. 
  • Links to work samples, reels, or online portfolios. 
  • Why you (and your team) are the right people to bring this format to life.