Established in 2021, the National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama (NTA: Film & TV) is an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, managed by Ardán.

The NTA Film & TV recognises that there is a repository of raw talent in Ireland that should be drawn upon, many individuals face barriers and lack clear pathways to inclusion and recognition within the film and television industry.

With that talent lying underutilised, a huge resource for the industry has been untapped. It’s a resource that has the ability to make a massive contribution to Irish film and television, and the potential to continue to drive its development as an internationally recognised powerhouse of creativity.

 

Inclusive Opportunities for Diverse & Regional Talent – Collaborating towards Excellence

In a concrete way, the NTA seeks to reach out to our many talented individuals within Ireland, to support them in learning and gaining experience, and to provide them with a path that will sustain them going forward in their careers in film and television.

 

The find out more about the concrete ways in which we will seek to achieve our objective of building and growing the NTA Film & TV and support you, check out our Opportunities Page.

 

Enabling Access, Providing Continuing Support

Through our programmes we aim to:

  • Create, drive, and establish real, tangible opportunities for screenwriters, directors, development personnel and producers.
  • Connect, engage with and support regional and diverse talent to gain entry into the industry and become part of a network of talent in Ireland.
  • Promote and consolidate collaboration between screenwriters, directors, and producers throughout the country, to harness their individual, unique talents and create unparalleled drama.

Untapped Irish Talent – Breaking down Barriers

There is, undoubtedly, a wealth of talent in the areas of screenwriting, development, producing, and directing, in Ireland. But we recognise that some of those potential writers, directors, and producers, are facing barriers. Barriers to entry, and barriers to progressing in the industry. For those of you based in rural parts of Ireland, or those from more diverse backgrounds, the barriers can be particularly pervasive. Whatever your age, whether you identify as non-binary, male, female, LGBTQ+, whether you are black, white, or brown, whether you have a disability, whether you are from a community that has been historically disadvantaged or marginalised, the NTA: Film & TV welcomes you. We are committed to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for voices from all regions and communities in Ireland to express themselves through the medium of television and film.

Ardán

Ardán is a non-profit, independent organisation operating across the West of Ireland and beyond. Our principal aim is to support creatives within the audio-visual industry, in the mediums of filmmaking, television, animation and games, through enabling access and providing opportunities.

Our work is founded upon our belief in the incredible depth of talent we have in the regions of Ireland and most especially in the West. Our goal is to enable that formidable creative spirit to enrich the audio-visual industry, and for talented individuals to realise their full potential and grow a sustainable career path as a result.

At the core of our support is providing opportunities. We know that talented people just like you will not hesitate to seize opportunities, if you are able to access them, and when you are given a chance to flex your creative muscles you can and will produce something amazing.

To find out more, please visit our website.

The Consortium

Drawn from the wide pool of practitioners and stakeholders across the national film and television industry, the Consortium members will take on a wider consultative role within the structure of the NTA: Film & TV to provide further advice and guidance, and form working groups as called upon by the Steering Group.

The Steering Group

The Steering Group will provide their unique, wide-ranging expertise, and oversight, when needed, to advise Ardán and other agencies in implementing and growing the NTA: Film & TV as it develops.

It is made up of representatives across key areas including Industry, Regions, Diversity, Stakeholders and Education, where knowledge of such key areas will aid the Ardán in achieving the objectives of the NTA: Film & TV, and connecting with individuals across Ireland, wherever they are.

The currents 2024 members are:

  • Elaine Geraghty: Troy & Ardmore Studios (Chair)
  • Eibh Collins: Programme Director NTA Film TV (Secretary)
  • Colman Farrell: Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
  • Celine Curtin: GMIT
  • Dathaí Keane: Writer/Director
  • David Crean: Head of Drama RTÉ
  • Mary Callery: Producer
  • Marissa Aroy: Filmmaker
  • Ola Majekodunmi: Freelance Content Creator, Author, Journalist
  • Aideen Doherty: Film Office Donegal
  • Susan Kirby: Screen Producers Ireland
  • Ursula Rani Sarma: Screenwriter
  • Alan Duggan: Ardán