Disabled Wicklow writers to advance in film and TV through mentoring programme

Offered by Tilting the Lens and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland’s National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama, the ‘Screen Stories: Getting Disabled Writers in the Room’ programme will support up to five writers to achieve their full potential in screenwriting, addressing systemic barriers that have historically limited their participation, promotion and success.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 30th April 2024

Applications are accepted at nationaltalentacademies.ie from emerging writers with an idea for a fiction/drama-based TV pilot, series, or short film have five weeks to complete the process.

The closing date for applications is Friday, May 17, at 12 p.m.

The development programme, which runs from approximately June to November 2024, comprises training, peer networking, workshops, talks, and Q&A sessions with acclaimed industry professionals, disabled and non-disabled industry experts, and one-to-one mentorship in areas where selected participants require support with creatives within and outside the film and TV sector.

A bursary will also be provided to support participants as they devote time to the programme.

Eibh O’Brien-Collins of National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama said: “We’re delighted to be broadening the nature of training available to writers to ensure that those who have previously been excluded from the writers’ room can be supported.”

Founder of Tilting the Lens, Sinéad Burke, added: “In our work championing accessibility, equity, and social justice, we have always believed that greater visibility and representation of disabled talent was vital behind the camera as well as in front.”