The First Credit Short Film Scheme, Animation (2026)

The First Credit Short Film Scheme, Animation (2026)

What is the First Credit Short Film Scheme?

If you are a Writer, Director, or Producer yet to make your mark in the live-action or animation industry, this initiative from the NTA Film & TV Drama and NTA Animation aims to support you in creating a short film and gaining your first professional credit as a Writer, Director, or Producer.

The First Credit Short Film Scheme is targeted at new filmmakers, with the backing of a €8,000 fund that will provide the filmmaking team with carefully tailored mentoring, training, and workshops delivered by experienced industry professionals over the course of a year.  Not only will this scheme help you get a short film made, but it is also heavily focused on skills development and supporting you in kickstarting and establishing a career in film and TV. 

This is an unparalleled opportunity which opens a door into the industry and will enable participants to create a solid foundation upon which to forge their path in the industry and grow a successful career. 

 

The aim is for selected filmmaking teams to start the programme in mid 2026 with the final delivery of a short by January 2027.

 

All submission requirements can be found in the guidelines, HERE

 

The deadline to submit your application is March 6th at 10AM 

 

Who can apply?

  • Applicants must apply as a team made up of two or more members, which must contain a Writer, a Director, and a Producer or a Writer/Director and a Producer 

  • All applicants must also be new to the industry, with this being their first funded film.

We encourage applications from diverse teams across Ireland. The NTAA are committed to breaking down barriers and providing a platform for voices from regional talent and communities that are currently under-represented within the screen sector.  

Final year students, graduating in 2026, are also eligable to apply.

 

How can I apply?

The first step for all applicants is to attend one of our two registration days. These will take place on:

  • Day One: January 17th, Dublin (12pm - 3pm)
  • Day Two: January 21st, Online (6pm - 8pm)

 

At these events, the NTAA will answer any questions around the scheme. NTAA staff will then run a Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to ask any questions that they have. (If you are taking part in the online event, you will be able to submit questions when completing the RSVP form.)

After a short break, the event will conclude with a networking session where all attendees can mingle and discuss potential projects.

After attending the registration day, participants will be given an individual application link to apply for the scheme. Additionally, an ‘Application Resource Pack’ with industry standard templates, reference documents, and other materials will be shared after the events.

 

Attendance is compulsory if you wish to submit a formal application to the First Credit Short Film Scheme.

 

You can find more info and to register to attend one of our registration days HERE

In the meantime, more information about the application process, submission deliverables and eligibility can be found in our guidelines, linked HERE. You should read these carefully before the registration event and before submitting your application.

The deadline to submit your application is March 6th at 10AM 

 

Next Steps

A shortlist of teams will be invited for an interview by an expert panel, with up to three live-action and three animation teams being selected to participate in the scheme.

 

Key Dates: 

Registration Days 

  • Day One: January 17th Dublin (12pm - 3pm)
  • Day Two: January 21st Online (6pm - 8pm)

Closing Date: 

  • March 6th at 10AM

 

Further Information 

You can contact NTAA with any queries around the application process at animation@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Please read the guidelines in detail before emailing.

 

We are happy to provide additional support and adjust guidelines if necessary to meet any accessibility requirements you may have. To discuss this, please email animation@nationaltalentacademies.ie with the subject ‘application supports’ at least fourteen days before the application deadline. 

 

The National Talent Academy Animation is an initiative of Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann and is managed by Animation Ireland.