Applications are now open for the TV comedy round of Spotlight, Screen Ireland’s flagship screenwriting talent scheme aimed at discovering and developing fresh and exciting new comedic voices.
The first round for the scheme will focus on TV comedy; applications are encouraged from aspiring comedy writers with a demonstrable background and/or interest in comedy (stand-up, radio, short film, literature, and digital content) and a strong idea to develop as a TV pilot.
The scheme is intended as an opportunity for new writers to develop a project with guidance and mentorship from leading industry figures at the start of their writing careers.
Up to 10 participants will be selected to develop a bible and pilot episode for a 30-minute TV comedy or comedy-drama series. Successful applicants will work with script editors and industry mentors for the duration of the programme. Funding awards of €10,000 for an individual or €12,000 for teams of two or more writers will be available.
Partnering with the newly established National Talent Academy for Film and Television, the new writers will take part in a programme that includes a series of virtual webinars and masterclasses, as well as an industry networking event. Mentors and contributors on the programme will include screenwriters and producers of ITV's forthcoming Holding, Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Karen Cogan, and Extra Ordinary writer/director team Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said: "A key objective in Screen Ireland’s new strategic plan, Building For A Creative Future, is the support and development of new and emerging creative talent, emphasising voices that represent the full diversity of modern Irish cultural life. We are delighted to launch this new iteration of Spotlight, and to discover the next generation of Irish comedy screenwriters with the scheme."
The deadline for submissions to Spotlight 2022: TV Comedy is 1 pm on Monday, 10th of January, 2022 - find out more about how to apply here.
