SCREEN STORIES: GETTING DISABLED WRITERS IN THE ROOM (2026)

SCREEN STORIES: GETTING DISABLED WRITERS IN THE ROOM (2026)

Screen Stories:Getting Disabled Writers in the Room 2026 

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

 

If you would like to access other accesible versions of the course profile you can find: 

  1. Easy Read (PDF version) HERE  
  2. Easy Read (Word version) HERE  
  3. Irish Sign Language (ISL) Video HERE or on Youtube HERE 
  4. Audio MP4 Version of this information with subtitles HERE or on Youtube HERE 
  5. Audio MP3 Version of this information is downloaded HERE.


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 creatives by removing the barriers that often stop Disabled writers accessing the screen sector and achieving the same success as others in the industry. 

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

 

This five-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. 

 

The session will run twice a month on Wednesday, in the early afternoon. Outside of these sessions, writers will work on their scripts and work with their mentors. 

Running from July to November 2026, 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 available to participants to support them as they devote time to the programme and/or cover associated costs with developing their scripts. This bursary is optional.

While most of the sessions will be hosted online, the programme will end with a table read event in-person. This will take place in Dublin City in November 2026,  where the most recent drafts of the scripts will be read out by professional actors. 

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. 

The 2026 scheme is open to ideas for live-action fiction short films only, not animation or documentary. 

 

Who Can Apply: 

Up to three emerging writing talents will be selected. 

Applications are 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. 

This programme welcomes new and entry-level writers. You don’t need professional experience, just a genuine interest or engagement in creative writing of any kind.

An online information session and Q&A will be held at noon  on 26th May. 

 

Eligibility Criteria: 

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

  • Have proven engagement in creative writing (e.g, novels, short film, theatre, advertisement, music video, college work) or have published work to their name 

  • Be at least 18 years old 

  • Not be in full-time education 

  • Reside on the island of 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.

Previous unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to apply again this year.

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

 

How To Apply:  

Interested applicants must apply by completing the linked form link HERE

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 creative experience or training. 
  • A document listing information on the script you would like to work on during the programme. This should include: Title, Logline, Synopsis, Key characters, Summary of the Story, Themes and Tone.

Please find an example of this document HERE.

  • A personal 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.

Please find an example of a Personal Statement HERE

The above can be up to 2 pages each or a filmed or audio-recorded statement of up to 4 minutes each. 

 

  • Draft of your script or examples of your creative writing - if you have it. This is optional, and not compulsory.

 

 

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 

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. 

Deadline to apply: June 9th at 12 Noon. 

 

You are also welcome to email us the above documents or an audio or video recording answering the questions listed on the form. 

Emails with attachments can be sent to eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie  

 

Online information Session: 

Online information and Q&A session: May 26th at noon. 

You can register for this information session HERE by noon on May 25th at noon.

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 morning of May 26th. 

 

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 late July. 

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 

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

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).