Beyond Shorts: Transitioning from Shorts to Features

Course Profile

Beyond Shorts is a three-day workshop for directors led by award-winning director Cathy Brady. Participants will work with professional actors - from prep to shooting - gaining practical skills for long form drama.

Participants will receive tailored mentoring from Cathy Brady before and after the workshop, supporting their individual development.

This programme is supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme.

Schedule

Day One: Tuesday, 28th October 2025

Audition demonstration with casting director Maureen Hughes. Script analysis and rehearsal technique.

Day Two: Wednesday, 29th October 2025

Blocking, staging, and shooting scenes, exploring tone and story arcs. A brief session on communication, prep and planning with 1st AD Adam Philpott.

Day Three: Thursday, 30th October 2025

Scene shooting and group cinema review

Who is it for?

• Directors with several short films completed (festival screenings or industry recognition welcome, but not essential).
• Ideal for those developing a first feature or attached to a TV drama project.
• Not suitable for complete beginners or first-time directors.
• 5 of the 8 places are reserved for female-identifying directors, addressing ongoing gender imbalance at feature level.
• Inclusion bursaries are available to support parents and carers with additional needs.
• Open to residents in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

How to apply?

In order to apply you will need to:

• Complete an application form
• Submit a 1 page CV 10MB max
• Submit links to your work (maximum of 10 minutes)

Please submit your application HERE by Monday, 6th October 2025.

Applications will be assessed by a panel of industry experts.

If you have any queries please email info@cathybradyworkshop.com