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Screen Stories : Getting Disabled Writers in the Room
A script-mentoring partnership between National Talent Academy for Film & TV and Tilting the Lens
If you’d like to view another versions of the Open Call you can find:
The National Talent Academy for Film & TV and accessibility consultancy Tilting the Lens are working together to diversify the existing talent in the film and TV industry in Ireland, by supporting Disabled and other previously excluded voices to overcome existing barriers that hinder Disabled writers from achieving their full potential in film and television, and to reach the same levels of success as others.
This partnership will begin by seeking to support Disabled writers ambitious to work in, or grow their opportunities in film or television, and will be curated in response to the ambitions / requirements of those selected, through bespoke training, mentoring and events developed to support stated ambitions and encourage voices, stories, and work by new and emerging talents.
This project will gauge and assess the level of interest and need across the Disabled community to work, gain experience, or reach new levels within the film and television sectors, to enable the partners to advocate collectively for further resources, so please apply or otherwise express your interest.
Who can apply:
We are seeking up to five emerging writing talents with demonstrable experience (this can include an existing script, a media CV, or a showreel of previous work). This application round is open to Script Writers or Writer/Directors who identify as being Disabled - this can range across physical, learning, sensory, mental health, neurodevelopmental or neurological, communication, and/or medical conditions. We aim to support whatever accommodations will support your participation effectively.
Applicants may apply as an individual or as a co-writing team. A team must be centred around a Disabled creative, but a writer can apply with a co-creator/writer (including a writer-actor or writer-director).
About the programme:
The bespoke supports over this six-month programme will be delivered online and/or in person, depending on access, through training, peer-networking, workshops, talks, Q&A sessions with acclaimed industry professionals, and one-to-one mentorship in areas the selected participants require support in, with creatives within and outside the film and TV sector. The programme will provide engagement with Disabled and non-Disabled industry experts.
The programme will run from June to November, and aims to improve the writing and editing skills of its participants, focusing on the development of their scripts rather than the completion of a polished final draft. It will conclude with a significant industry event in Dublin in November 2024, providing a fitting end to the program's activities.
The scheme is open to ideas for a live action-drama, short film or TV series.
Disability-led organisation Tilting the Lens was founded in 2020 by Sinéad Burke, a Disabled educator, advocate and author who champions accessibility, equity and social justice. Established on the three pillars of education, advocacy and design, Tilting the Lens advises major global brands and media platforms, guiding them in their move from awareness to action by creating more accessible practices, policies, products and services, places and promotions.
An online information session and Q&A hosted online at 12PM noon on April Friday 26th. Interested applicates can sign up HERE.
The eligibility details:
Applicants must self-identify as Disabled, and:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be in full-time education
- Live in Ireland. Irish applicants who live abroad are also welcome to apply, once they can make meetings that are on GMT
- Writers can be unrepresented or have an agent
For any questions around eligibility, please email eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie.
The NTA Film & TV will meet the access requirements of the selected applicants, while adjusting the programme accordingly, and cover the associated costs.
How To Apply:
Interested applicants must apply by completing the linked form link HERE.
If you have any questions pertaining to the application, please email: eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie
If you have any access needs and require support to complete the application form, please email: conny@tiltingthelens.com
In this form you will be asked to supply a download (Google Drive or Dropbox preferred) link with the following materials:
- Media CV or work biography detailing relevant experience. (Up to 2 pages or a filmed or audio-recorded statement of up to 3 minutes.)
- A one-page synopsis of the idea. If your idea is for a TV series, then outline the narrative for the full series.
- A sample of your writing up to 15 pagesin a standard industry format or the script of the project you would like to work on in the programme
- A personal statement (a written, filmed or audio-recorded statement) which tells us a little more about your background, expands on any other related experience and that speaks to how this development opportunity could help your career and/or professional development.
If you are applying as a team, the above is necessary for each member of the team.
Applicants may submit up to a maximum of two projects for consideration (please note that only one project per applicant(s) will be selected).
Applicants may apply as an individual or as a co-writing team. A team must be centred around a Disabled creative, but a writer can apply with a co-creator/writer (including a writer-actor or writer-director).
Deadline to apply: May 17th at 12PM Noon
Online information and Q&A session: April 26th at 12PM Noon
You can register for this information session HERE. If you have any access requirements, please let us know in the registration form.
You are also welcome to email us an audio or video recording answering the questions listed on the form. Emails with attachments can be sent to eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie
Selection Process:
The applications will be assessed by a panel which includes representatives of the National Talent Academy for Film & Television, Tilting the Lens, and independent external assessors.
This is an open application process, however the NTA Film & TV may work with industry stakeholders including the Guilds, Tilting the Lens, and Screen Ireland to identify talent who are ready to progress, and encourage them to apply.
We aim to respond to all applicants by June 7th.
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.
Further Information:
Mentors and mentees will be matched by NTA Film & TV and Tilting the Lens with input from the mentees. Under the guidance of the NTAFT and Tilting the Lens, objectives, goals and expectation of the mentorship will be set. From here, the mentor and mentee will coordinate ten-hours at their convenience (online and in person).
For any questions, please email eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie
The National Talent Academies Film and TV are an initiative of Screen Ireland managed by Ardán.
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