Ireland’s New Hub for VFX Talent

Launched in 2024, the National Talent Academy for VFX is an initiative of Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, managed by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet.

Our mission is to transform aspiring VFX artists into industry-ready professionals while providing ongoing upskilling opportunities for current talent.

Through comprehensive courses and programs, we introduce participants to best practices both locally and globally, creating clear pathways and solidifying Ireland’s reputation as a premier destination for VFX.

The National Talent Academy for VFX is dedicated to attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, fostering greater awareness of VFX as a viable and exciting career choice.

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet (CCIS) was established in January 2023 as a consolidation and expansion of three existing and established Skillnet Business Networks (Animation Skillnet established in 2013, Screen Skillnet established in 2019, and Immersive Technologies Skillnet established in 2020) to support the following creative sectors: Animation, Visual Effects, Games, Film, TV, Documentary, Post-Production, Immersive Technologies, AR/VR, Virtual Production, Digital Media, Entertainment Events, Music, Performing Arts and Visual Arts.

CCIS has a long and established track record of supporting the creative industries over many years, primarily through the design, development, and delivery of skills and talent development programmes that are bespoke, industry-focused, flexible, responsive, impactful and that address identified sectoral needs.

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet is co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and network companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

The Steering Group

The Steering Group will provide their unique, wide-ranging expertise, and oversight to support the NTA VFX as it develops and grows.

The currents members are:

  • Sheila DeCourcy: Chair
  • Barbara Henkes: VFX Talent Academy Manager
  • Gareth Lee: CCIS Network Manager
  • Fran Keaveney: CCIS (Skills & Talent Development Manager)
  • Helen McMahon: Enterprise Ireland (Senior Strategic Policy Advisor)
  • Jennifer Lyons: IDA Ireland
  • Richard Gavin: TUS
  • Declan Keeney: Studio Ulster (CEO)
  • Steven Murray: Aspire Ireland
  • Grainne Dooley: VFX Guild of Ireland (VFX On-Set Supervisor)
  • Simon Brown: Wolfhound Creative (VFX Supervisor)
  • Nicky Gogan: Still Films
  • Emma Rooney: Shutterstock
  • Bernard Rogan: First Element Post/VFX (CEO)
  • Colman Farrell: Screen Ireland (Head of Skills & Professional Development)
  • Ange Senior: Screen Ireland (Skills Development Executive - Film, TV & Sectoral Development)
  • Lorna McMahon Screen Ireland ( Animation, VFX & Games Coordinator)