Date: 07 Apr 2025
Donegal Film Office Emerging Talent Fund 2025
As part of a shared commitment to fostering creativity and supporting emerging talent, Donegal County Council’s Film Office, in collaboration with Creative Ireland, is delighted to announce a new funding initiative!
This fund is designed to empower an emerging writer, producer, or director by providing vital support to secure their first production credit. This will equip them with the confidence, and necessary credit, to apply for larger national funding and future industry opportunities.
At its core, this initiative is about building confidence, enhancing skills, and creating meaningful opportunities within the local industry, and beyond. By supporting a new creative voice, we aim to develop capacity, encourage artistic expression, and strengthen the vibrant storytelling culture of Donegal.
Beyond production, this initiative nurtures long-term career development. The completed project will be showcased at a Film Festival, ensuring visibility and recognition for the filmmaker, expanding their creative and professional network.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to bring their project to life with the guidance of a panel of industry professionals. This mentorship will ensure expert feedback, practical support, and invaluable insights throughout the filmmaking process. Additionally, Donegal County Council’s Film Office will offer hands-on assistance, providing location advice, securing necessary permits, and connecting filmmakers with crew, services, accommodation and extras. This wrap around service offers a security blanket to the recipient and the learning will support them when making applications to national bodies.
The Award contributes to the ecosystem of talent emerging in the county, building skills and capacity. This award is confined to Donegal connected people working to develop the creative economy. The producer, director or writer must be residing in the county and the film must be shot on location in Donegal. The budget affords a real opportunity to those in the sector a chance to step up. The beauty of the award is that it will showcase the county and its talent. It will afford those funded, the confidence to take their careers forward.
Applications are being sought from film makers who have a script that has been developed, seen by a Director, and has had input from a Producer. The Film Office is looking for original, entertaining stories by talented filmmakers who, if selected, must set, and shoot their project in County Donegal.
Aideen Doherty Donegal Film Office added,
“This Fund is to support emerging Writers, Producers and Directors based in the County. People working in this sector are dedicated to their craft and we are keen to support their capacity to develop their stories and skills. Donegal Film Office is grateful to the National Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027 for their continued support and affording the county this opportunity”.
More details are available here:
The closing date for receipt of applications is set at 4pm on 29th April 2025.
‘Donegal County Council welcomes submission to the Emerging Talent Fund from all applicants regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, membership of the Traveller community, disability, religion, family status or socio-economic background and is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants. The Council is keen that submissions to the Emerging Talent Fund reflect the diversity of communities in Donegal.
