Residential Smartphone Filmmaking Course in Donegal

Residential Smartphone Filmmaking Course with Póca Productions 

Following the success of last year’s course, NTA Film & TV and Póca Productions are delighted to present another weekend residential smartphone filmmaking course taking place this September.  

This online and in person course is designed for emerging filmmakers who are interested in producing content on their phone and on low budget equipment. Filmmakers must have an interest in writing, directing and producing (live action drama) short films/short form content.  

Throughout the course, participants will put theory into practice and work on producing at least one short film over two days in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of Gartan Lake in Co. Donegal. This course is broken down into three Modules: Screenwriting, Production and Post-Production.  

Module One: Screenwriting (online 1.5hrs. Week of Aug 26 but date TBC). 

In this online session, participants will learn the basics of screenwriting:  

• Introduction to scripting a short film (1- 3 min) 

• Thinking like a producer when writing for a low budget production 

• The 3-act structure 

• Formatting a script to industry standard 

Each participant will prepare a 1–3-minute screenplay which they will present to the group when we first come together in person.  

Module Two: Production (in person, 6th-8th September) 

Over the course of the weekend participants will work together to film as many of these screenplays as possible.

Participants will learn: 

• Teamwork & sticking to your role. 

• Introduction to smartphone filming equipment (including Audio Recording & various microphone options) 

• Shot composition  

• Working to a deadline 

• Scheduling 

• Lighting   

Module Three: Post-Production (online 2 x 1.5 hours) 

Training on smartphone editing will take place over two online sessions in the following two weeks. 

• Introduction to editing on a smartphone. 

• Filing and logging footage 

• Sequencing your shots  

• Adding a score and sound effects 

Additionally, this course will focus on teamwork and team building skills across departments, fostering industry relationships that will benefit and support all the filmmakers moving forward.  

Dates/Duration:  

• Module One will take place online – the week of 26th – 30th Aug (date TBC). 

• Module Two will take place from Friday September 6th (late afternoon) to Sunday September 8th .  This will take place in Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. 

• Module Three will take place online, approximately two weeks after the in-person course (date TBC). 

• The completed films will be screened at the Rathmullen Film Festival in February 2025. 

Who Can Apply: 

This course is designed for new and emerging filmmakers who are interested in writing, directing and producing (live action drama) short films/short form content on a smartphone. 

All participants will be involved in producing a short film, while not all participants will be expected to write a script or to direct but willingness and keen engagement in the writing and directing process will be expected of all participants. 

Applicants must be out of education (full time or part time), but recent graduates are also welcome to apply. 

This is open to applicants who are habitually resident in the regions or talent who identify as diverse (living regionally or in Dublin/Wicklow). Please see our Diversity & Inclusion Policy. 

We invite applicants of all ages and career backgrounds, formally educated or not, who are over 18 years of age to apply.  

Please note that applications from more experienced talent from other fields (e.g., Documentary) who are looking to move into drama may also be apply. Additional crew and talent in other department with a clear interest in developing a career as a writer, directing and producing as welcome to apply. 

How To Apply:  

Applicants must apply by completing the application form link HERE .  

This application form will ask you to supply a download link (This will be a link to a folder shared on a service such as Google Drive, WeTransfer, Dropbox etc.) to the following materials.  

• Media CV or professional biography or detailed summary of work to date. (1- 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) 

Please address any questions to filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie 

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.   

Deadline to Apply:  

Deadline to apply is Wednesday July 31st at 5pm.  

Please make sure you are available on the above dates before applying.  

Selection Process: 

Applications will be assessed by a selection panel.  Selected applicants will be notified approximately three weeks after the application deadline.   

Further Information:

The cost of residential (on site accommodation and some meals) will be covered by the NTA. Travel costs will not be covered.   

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