Spotlight 2025 - Irish Myths and Legends

Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland (Screen Ireland) is delighted to announce the next round of the Spotlight scheme: TV series based on the theme Irish Myths & Legends.

About the Funding

Up to ten participants will be chosen for this scheme to develop a TV Series concept from initial 1-2 page pitch to detailed bible and pilot script stage.

Selected writers will be awarded funding of up to €15,000 for individuals and up to €18,000 for teams of two or more writers.

Each writer/writing team will be paired with a script editor, paid for by Screen Ireland, and mentor for the duration of the program. 

A series of virtual webinars and masterclasses will be held throughout the program, culminating in an alumni networking event with industry members and the past participants of the Spotlight scheme in attendance. 

Who Can Apply

Please note, this scheme is targeted to new, emerging, and underrepresented voices with early stage screenwriting and/or other writing experience and demonstrable ambition to develop a career as a TV drama writer.  Short film writing credits are particularly welcome as well as writers from other audio visual and literary mediums.  We strongly encourage submissions from applicants who have not applied to Screen Ireland previously. 

Applicants who have previously been supported by Screen Ireland, with the exception of the Short Film schemes, are not eligible to apply.  

Applicants who have a produced credit as a writer on a live action or animated feature film or television series are not eligible for Spotlight.

Application Requirements

We aim to develop culturally rich Irish screen stories. With this goal in mind, applicants are asked to submit a 1-2 page pitch for a TV series based around Irish Myths & Legends. This TV series can be in either a 30-minute or 60-minute format, can be in any genre, and we encourage all new ideas and takes on the Irish myths and legends we all know.  We don’t just want the next Game of Thrones; these stories can take any genre bending shape! And we want timeless, universal and relevant takes on them to showcase our culture to the rest of the world.  From a 30 min comedy to drama, horror, modern updates or all the above, we welcome all original interpretations and inventive perspectives.

Applicants submitting the most original, unique and resonant ideas with evident clarity of vison will be invited to develop the idea into a full bible and write a pilot script over the course of the program.

Application Guidance

The pitch document should address the following headings:

• Logline: One sentence pitch of your show within 25 words.
• Synopsis: Complete synopsis - we want spoilers!
• Themes: What do you have to say in a TV show you need to share with the world?
• World: What is the USP? Is it rich, multi layered, and renewable?
• Audience: Who do you see watching your show?
• Character Arc: Describe in a paragraph the psychological and emotional evolution or devolution of your main character over the first series and beyond. Please avoid overuse of back story, focus on the journey as it relates to the first series.
• Series Arc: A paragraph on broadly envisioning the first series arc projection. Focus on your voice coming out through a character who will anchor the show in a unique but ultimately authentic way  and make the genre and thematic potential very clear. 
• Character Journey: Does your main character(s) currently undergo any kind of journey or realization in the work you wish to adapt?  Is there potential for a journey or arc?  Describe your main character(s) potential journey in a paragraph; the psychological and emotional evolution or devolution of your main character over the course of the story. 

Making an Application

Applications can be made online using the 'Make an Application' button on this page. 

Applications which do not meet the criteria set out in the above guidelines will automatically be deemed ineligible for consideration.

Due to the nature of these short pitch applications, feedback will not be available. 

If you have any questions regarding the guidelines or the scheme in general, please contact spotlight@screenireland.ie.

Application Deadline

Applications will close on Friday 15th August at 1pm. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can Applications for Spotlight be accepted from residents in Northern Ireland?

Each applicant (whether individual or part of a filmmaking team) must be either born, resident or domiciled in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible for Spotlight funding.

• Is a Limited Series eligible?

While there is an emphasis on returnable show ideas, limited series are eligible.

• Can a writer submit more than one application?

Only one application per Writer or Writing Team can be accepted for this scheme.

• Can a Co-Writing credit be accepted if no other writing credits?

Applicants who have a produced credit as a writer on a live action or animated feature film or television series are not eligible for Spotlight, this criteria also applies to co-writing credits. Co-writer credits would still be classed as a writing credit for the purposes of this scheme.

• Are Soap Opera Writing Credits eligible for this scheme?

Soap Opera writing credits are not eligible for this scheme as any produced writing credit is considered outside of the guidelines.

• Do you accept Irish language applications?

Yes, Irish language applications are welcome.

• Will I still retain copyright ownership if my project is not selected, or will Screen Ireland have any rights to it once they receive a copy of my pitch?

All applicants retain copyright ownership of their work whether it’s selected for support or not.

• On a Writing Team, can one Writer have a produced Writing credit if the other doesn’t?

Both Writers are only eligible if they do not have past produced Writing or Co-Writing credits. If one or both Writer’s has a past writing credit, this would not be eligible.

• Can a myth and legend be interpreted as something from the very recent past? Can I interpret the theme in the way that I choose?

As per our guidelines, we want timeless, universal and relevant takes on this theme to showcase our culture to the rest of the world. From a 30 min comedy to drama, horror, modern updates or all the above. We encourage you to bring your own interpretation of this theme in a way that works best with your story and style. We are open to applications where stories can take any genre bending shape and take a broad view of myths and legends theme which may encompass characters from folklore too.

• Is it okay if you don't have a director/producer attached to the application?

The Spotlight scheme is only available to new, emerging, and underrepresented screenwriters. Producers or Production Companies should not be attached. Only Individual writers/writing teams/and writer-directors who meet the guidelines are eligible to apply.

• Are Students eligible to apply to the 2025 Spotlight scheme?

The scheme is not open to full-time students.