The NTA Film & TV Shadowing Database for 2026 – supporting Live Action Directors, Producers/Creative Producers, Writers, Development Execs and Script Editors

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

This application will remain open on a rolling basis until 2027, with the aim of building a panel of available shadow candidates for both NTA Film & TV and industry productions to draw from.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Each placement will vary depending on the production, but all roles are paid and may require in-person attendance on set. Successful candidates will work alongside experienced writers, producers and directors during key stages of prep, production and post-production, gaining direct insight into professional workflows and decision-making processes.

A financial contribution will be provided to support time commitment, travel and accommodation, enabling participants to engage fully while maintaining personal financial stability. This initiative offers valuable industry access, practical experience and meaningful career development opportunities.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to join the database.

Please note that inclusion on the database does not guarantee a shadowing placement.

Plese read all application information carefully before applying.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be Directors, Producers/Creative Producers, Writers, Development Executives or Script Editors who are habitually resident in regions outside Dublin/Wicklow and/or identify as diverse (see Diversity & Inclusion Policy).

Shadowing placements are intended for established talent and are not suitable for entry-level or new applicants.

All applicants must:

Reside in Ireland (proof of address may be required)
Be over 21 years of age
Not be in full-time or part-time education
Meet the required level of professional experience
Habitually resident in regions outside Dublin/Wicklow, and/or identify as diverse (see Diversity & Inclusion Policy).

Producers / Creative Producers must have:

Produced at least three live action short films, music videos, high-end commercials or similar content

and/or

Produced a feature film, television series, or soap

and/or

Worked as a senior member of the production department on more than five projects, with a clear intention to develop a producing career

Directors must have:

Directed at least two live action short films, with at least one funded by a public body, broadcaster, etc (demonstrating experience working with funders)

and/or

Directed a feature film, television/soap content, or several high-end commercials, with a clear intention to develop a directing career

and/or

Worked as a Head of Department (HOD) on more than five projects, with a clear intention to transition into directing

Writers, Development Executives and Script Editors must have:

A minimum of three credits in their field across at least two produced works (e.g. short film, television, stage, high-end commercial or similar content)

and/or

Credits providing freelance script development services on at least three produced works in screen or stage.

How To Apply:

Applicants must apply by completing the online Application Form linked HERE

As part of the application, you will be required to provide download links to the following materials:

Please upload one document (PDF) containing:

Media CV outlining relevant experience (maximum two pages),
Personal Statement outlining how this initiative will support your career progression.
- Personal Statement can be minimum half a page, maximum two pages or filmed statement up to 3 minutes - If submitting a video, please include it as an open access viewing link within a PDF document (MP4 or other file types cannot be accepted)
- Please make sure CV & Statement document contains open access viewing links to your showreel and/or previous work and/or links to a writing sample or spec script (where applicable)

The application form will also require a short, punchy paragraph pitching yourself for selection.

If you are applying for more than one role (for example, Writer and Director), you only need to submit one application via the form. However, you must include separate supporting materials for each role (for example, a CV, statement and links combined into one document per role). Please ensure each document is clearly labelled with your name and the relevant role.

Many productions engaging with this database are international and may not be familiar with Irish-specific education, training, festival or industry terminology. Applicants should therefore use clear, accessible language and avoid unexplained acronyms or shorthand. Where relevant, briefly explain qualifications, programmes, or role responsibilities to ensure your experience is fully understood.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. This includes any missing materials or unanswered questions within the form.

This application is open on a rolling basis until 2027, with the aim of building a panel of eligible applicants.

Please note that, for GDPR compliance, the database will be refreshed annually. Applications will be deleted after one year, and candidates will need to reapply to remain under consideration.

To maximise your chances of being considered, it is recommended that eligible applicants submit as early as possible. Inclusion on the database does not guarantee that a placement will be offered.

Selection Process:

Applicants are only required to submit to the database once. Your details will remain active on the database until 2027.

Depending on production requirements, the National Talent Academy Film & TV will compile a longlist of applicants from the database and share this with relevant productions. This process may take place several times throughout the year, meaning your application may be considered multiple times annually.

Productions will then create a shortlist from the longlisted applicants. Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted by the NTA Film & TV. At this stage, further details about the production will be shared.

If shortlisted candidates wish to proceed, the NTA Film & TV will coordinate interviews between the candidate and the production. Final selection of shadow placements is made solely by the production.

Applicants who are not selected will remain on the database and may be considered for future opportunities.

This is an open application process. However, in some instances, the NTA Film & TV may work with industry stakeholders to identify and encourage applications from talent already engaged with NTA initiatives (for example, participants on the EMERGE Producers Programme).

The type and number of opportunities available are led by production needs and are outside the control of the National Talent Academy Film & TV. The NTA’s role is to host applicant information, share it with productions where appropriate, and support placements where candidates are selected.

Any individual shadow placement is limited to a maximum of eight weeks per year.

Inclusion in the database does not guarantee that a placement will be offered.

Further Information:

For general application enquiries, please contact: filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie

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

Industry stakeholders and production companies interested in participating, seeking further information on shadowing and placements, or looking to engage shadow candidates and associated supports, are invited to contact: Eibh Collins - eibh.collins@nationaltalentacademies.ie

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

Photo courtesy of Saffron Pictures of Edelle Kenny shadowing on Hidden Assets.