Screen Stories : Getting Disabled Writers in the Room 2025

Screen Stories : Getting Disabled Writers in the Room 2025

A Script-Mentoring Scheme presented by National Talent Academy for Film & TV and Tilting the Lens

The National Talent Academy for Film & TV is working with accessibility consultancy Tilting the Lens to help make the Film and TV industry in Ireland more inclusive. Together, we want to support Disabled and previously excluded voices by removing the barriers that often stop Disabled writers from reaching their full potential and achieving the same success as others in the industry.

This scheme is aimed at Disabled writers who are eager to grow their careers in the screen sector. It will be shaped around the needs and goals of those selected, offering tailored training, mentoring, and events to help develop the writer's voices, stories, and creative work.

If you would like to view other versions of the Open Call you can find:

• Easy Read (PDF version) HERE
• Easy Read (Word version) HERE

Who can apply:

Up to three emerging writing talents will be selected. Writers must have demonstrable experience (this can include an existing script, a media CV, or a showreel of previous work). 

This round of applications is open to 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 aid your participation effectively.

This six-month programme offers tailored support, delivered online and/or in person depending on participants’ access needs. It includes training, peer networking, workshops, talks, Q&A sessions with leading industry professionals, and one-to-one mentorship. Support will be provided by creatives both within and outside the film and TV industries, including Disabled and non-Disabled experts.

Running from June to November 2025, the programme aims to develop participants’ screenwriting and networking skills, with a focus on strengthening their scripts and developing their idea, rather than finishing and polishing a final draft. A bursary will also be provided to participants to support them as they devote time to the programme. 

While most of the sessions will be hosted online, the programme will end with an industry event in-person Dublin on 28 November 2025.

The 2025 scheme is open to ideas for live-action drama feature films only.

An online information session and Q&A will be held at 12 PM (noon) on 12th May.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must self-identify as Disabled and meet the following requirements:

• Have completed at least one produced project (e.g, short film, theatre production, advertisement, music video) or have published work to their name

• Be at least 18 years old

• Not be in full-time education

• Reside in Ireland. Irish applicants living abroad are also welcome, provided they can attend meetings scheduled in GMT

• Writers may be represented by an agent or unrepresented

For any questions around eligibility, please email eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie

The NTA Film & TV and Tilting the Lens 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 ( https://forms.office.com/e/9vTc8pP1Np )

In this form you will be asked to supply a download (Google Drive or Dropbox preferred) link with the following materials:

• Media CV or professional biography detailing relevant experience. (Up to 2 pages or a filmed or audio-recorded statement of up to 4 minutes.)
• Feature Film Treatment of the project you would like to work on during the scheme. 
  • Treatment should include: Title, Logline, Synopsis, Key characters, Summary of the Story, Themes and Tone.
• 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. 
• Links to previous work - optional

If you are applying as a team, a CV and personal statement is necessary for each member of the team.

If you have any questions, or you have any access needs and require support to complete the application form please email eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Deadline to apply: May 26th at 12PM Noon

You are also welcome to email us the above documents or an audio oe video recording answering the questions listed on the form. Emails with attachments can be sent to eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie by May 26th at 12PM Noon

 

Online information Session:

Online information and Q&A session: May 12th at 12PM Noon

You can register for this information session HERE ( https://forms.office.com/e/XejksWjzrW ). If you have any access requirements, please let us know in the registration form.

Once you fill out this form, your RSVP will be confirmed and you will receive the Zoom link on the afternoon of May 9th.

 

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. 

We aim to respond to all applicants in early June.

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:

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).

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 

 

Tilting the Lens is a strategic accessibility consultancy rooted in Europe with a global footprint that works with disabled people, civil society, and the public and private sectors to deliver accessible practices in recruitment, company culture, urban design, product innovation, and communications. Tilting the Lens is a Disability-led organisation, and DOBE™ certified (Disability Owned and Operated Business Enterprise).

The National Talent Academies Film and TV are an initiative of Screen Ireland managed by Ardán.