Aspiring filmmakers in Waterford urged to apply for up to €15,000 in funding

Budding Waterford filmmakers are being urged to apply for two short film funding initiatives which will run from mid-2025 to January 2026.

The National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama (NTAFT) and National Talent Academy for Animation (NTAA) together with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland have announced that applications are now open for two short film funding initiatives for both live-action and animation projects, which will run from Mid 2025 to January 2026, with Waterford applicants urged to apply.

The schemes, “The First Credit Short Film Scheme” and the “NTA Short Film Fund”, first launched in 2024, aim to address a skills gap in the industry and welcome all those with an interest in Film, TV, or Animation to apply.

The First Credit Short Film Scheme targets new entrants to the industry. It aims to support them in gaining their first professional credits as Writers, Directors, or Producers in Film and Animation.

The NTA Short Film Fund is targeted at those already working within the industry, supporting creatives in expanding their skillsets and moving into new writing and directing roles.

The NTAFT and NTAA will host online and in-person registration and information days for those interested in applying. 

Commenting on the scheme, Deirdre Barry, Programme Director for NTA Animation said: “The National Talent Academies is thrilled to invite all budding creatives to apply for these initiatives. This is an unparalleled opportunity for those interested in film, TV, or animation from all walks of life and backgrounds to enter the industry and gain invaluable guidance to forge a new path and successful career.

"By focusing on skills development, the successful filmmaking teams will have the opportunity to take part in a programme of carefully tailored mentoring, training, and workshops, which experienced industry professionals will deliver over several months."

Dave Moran, Director of the live-action NTA Short Film ‘Romance is Dad’ added: “The NTA’s Short Film Fund is designed to create opportunities for career progression among experienced crew. The scheme is more than a bursary to make a short film, there are shadowing and mentoring opportunities coupled with a toolbox of practical workshops to guide through the process and for ‘what comes next’. I’ve worked in this industry for over fifteen years, and I’ve been blown away by the insightful and nurturing curation of this scheme from the NTA Film & TV and it has reminded me of why I wanted to work in this industry.”

With a budget of €8,000 each, the First Credit Short Film Scheme will fund up to three live-action drama and three animation projects in 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for new entrants to the industry to gain their first funded credit.

With a budget of €15,000 each, the NTA Short Film Fund will fund up to three live-action drama and up to three animation projects in 2025. Last year, a Director of Photography, a Script Supervisor, and a Documentary Filmmaker received a live-action credit following selection for the fund. 

The closing date for the First Credit Short Film Scheme applications is March 14th at 10 a.m. The closing date for NTA Short Film Fund applications is March 14th at 10 a.m. 

More information on both schemes and the associated events can be found on their website. For animation visit: https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/animation, and for live-action visit: https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/film-tv