The Film & TV Drama Shadowing Database for 2025

The Film & TV Drama Shadowing Database for 2025

The Film & TV Drama Shadowing Database is now open for 2025

The National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama (NTA Film & TV) is seeking applications for Shadow Directors, Producers, Writers, Development Executives & Script Editors on upcoming feature films and television drama.

This application will be open on a rolling basis until November  2025, with the objective to gather a panel of available shadows for the NTA Film & TV and productions to recruit from.  

It is recommended, if you meet the requirements, to join the database as soon as possible.  

Each position will vary but these positions are paid production roles and may require in-person days on set. The successful candidates will work alongside experienced writers, producers and directors during key times in the prep, production and post to gain a direct insight into the process.  

A contribution for time commitment, travel and accommodation will be provided allowing individuals to meet personal financial obligations while gaining unique access to the industry, practical experience and career development opportunities. 

Applicants who meet the criteria are welcome to join the database. Being registered on the database does not guarantee you a shadow placement.  

 

Who Can Apply: 

Directors, Producers/Creative Producers, Writers, Development Executives and Script Editors who are habitually resident in the regions ( outside Dublin/Wicklow ) AND/OR who identify as diverse, (please see our Diversity & Inclusion Policy ) who meet the following criteria are welcome to apply. 

Shadowing Placements are recommended for established talent. This scheme is not recommended for entry or new talent.  

All applicants must: 

  • Must reside in Ireland (proof of address may be requested) 
  • Must be over twenty-one. 
  • Be out of Education (full or part-time) 

 

Directors must have: 

  • previously directed at least two funded live action short films (one of which has been funded by a public body or broadcaster)  
  • (and/or) directed a feature film, soap or several high-end commercials with a clear interest in developing a career in television drama.  
  • (and/or) worked as a HOD across multiple projects with a clear interest in developing a career as a director. 

Writers, Development Executives & Script Editors must have: 

  • a minimum of three credits, in each of their application fields, on at least two pieces of produced work e.g. short film, TV, stage, high-end commercials or content.   
  • (and/or) Credits providing freelance script development services in the areas of screen or stage on at least three pieces of produced work. 

Producers / Creative Producers must have: 

  • previously produced at least two funded live action short films or serval music videos   
  • (and/or) produced a feature length film and/or several high-end commercials   
  • (and/or) worked in the Production Department across multiple projects with a clear interest in developing a career as a producer. 

 

Note that more experienced applications from Directors, Producers/Creative Producers, Writers, Development Executives & Script Editors from other fields (e.g. Animation or Documentary) who are looking to build on their body of work and move into a television drama may be considered. 

 

How To Apply: 

Applicants must apply by completing the online Application Form  HERE

This application form will ask you to supply a download link to the following materials. If applying under two roles (e.g Writer and Director) you only need to submit once but it is with separate documentation for each role.

  • Media CV – detailing relevant experience. 
  • Link to Showreel (where applicable) 
  • Link to a Writing Example or Spec Script (where applicable) 
  • A Personal Statement detailing how this initiative will progress your career (up to 2 pages or filmed statement of up to 3 minutes) 

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

This application will be open on a rolling basis until Nov 24th 2025, with the goal to gather a panel of interested applicants. 

Please note for GDPR reasons at the start of each year the database from the previous year will be destroyed and interested candidates must re-submit.  

To give yourself the best chance to be selected, it is recommended, if you meet the requirements to join the database as soon as possible. 

 

Selection Process: 

You only need to submit to the database once. Your details will remain on the database until January 2026. Depending on production requirements, a longlist of applicants will be selected from the database and shared with productions. This process will occur several times a year, meaning your information could be shared multiple times annually with various productions. From this stage, productions will create a shortlist of applicants and the NTA will notify candidates who have been shortlisted. If shortlisted, we will be in contact (but not before this time) will share details about the production or film. If the candidate is interested in the position, the NTAFT will coordinate interviews between the candidates and the production. Ultimately, the final selection of shadow(s) will be made by the production. Applicants who are not selected will remain on file for future opportunities.

 

This is an open application process, however in some instances the NTA Film & TV may work with industry stakeholders to identify talent who are already engaged with the Screen Ireland and NTA (for example- producers on the ‘EMERGE Producers Programme’) and encourage them to apply. 

The type and quantity of opportunities are production-lead and out of the control of National Talent Academy Film & TV. We will host your information, provide it when suitable and if selected we will support the placement.  

There is no guarantee by being on the database that you will be offered a placement.   

 

Further Information:  

Please direct all general placement enquiries to: filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie 

The NTA Film & TV Drama reserves the right to make amendments to this initiative subject to funding, production landscape and health and safety requirements at the time of delivery.  

If you are an industry stakeholder and/or a production company who would like to be involved, want further information on Shadowing & Placement and/or are seeking shadows and associated supports, please contact Eibh Collins at eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie 

The NTA Film & TV is an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, managed by Ardán. 

 

Image courtesy of Keeper Pictures.