The National Talent Academies Short Film Fund, Animation (2026)

The National Talent Academies Short Film Fund, Animation (2026)

What is The National Talent Academies Short Film Fund?

If you are already working in the live action or animation industry, this initiative from the NTA Film & TV Drama and NTA Animation aims to support you to transfer, upskill and/or make a career move from your current area of expertise.

The National Talent Academies Short Film Fund is targeted at practitioners who wish to learn additional skills or move into a different role. It is underpinned by a €15,000 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. This scheme is heavily focused on skills development and supporting you in expanding your skillset, enabling you to take on the new role.

Applicants must apply as a team made up of two or more members, which must contain a Director seeking to transfer/upskill or move into a writing/directing or directing role for the first time.

 

This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance the skills you already have, learn new ones, and allow your career to take a new direction and flourish.

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

 

Who can apply?

Applicants must apply as a team made up of two or more members, which must contain a Director seeking to transfer/upskill or move into a writing/directing or directing role for the first time.

  • A Writer/Director (transferring/upskilling) may apply with a Producer.

  • A Director (transferring/upskilling) may apply with a new or established Writer and Producer

  • A Writer (transferring/upskilling) and a Director (transferring/upskilling) may apply with a Producer.

 

Producers can be emerging or established but they must:

  • Have a Limited Company, Production Company or a Service Production Company for the delivery of this Short. 

  • Have a track record of producing Animated content and working with a budget of €15,000 or more.

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. 

 

How can I apply?

More information about the application process, submission deliverables and eligibility can be found in our guidelines. You should read these carefully before submitting your application.

Please find the application form HERE

This application form will ask you to supply an open access sharing download link to the materials/documents listed in the guidelines. (Google Drive or Dropbox recommended)

An incomplete application or an application missing any of the requested documents will not be considered.

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

It is recommended that all applicants take part in one of our information sessions on January 17th (Dublin) or January 21st (Online).

 

You can register to attend the information session HERE. Guests must RSVP on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

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: 

Information 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.