Nationwide Additional Production Fund
Targeting high value local and international creative investment
As the national agency for the Irish film, television drama, animation and documentary industry, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland (Screen Ireland) is the creative partner to the sector, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise.
We are inspired by original storytelling that will emotionally move audiences at home and abroad. Through a wide range of practical funding supports across development, production, distribution, promotion and skills development, Screen Ireland supports the sector at every stage. We support filmmakers in their creative pursuit to share valuable artistic, cultural and commercial stories on screen.
About the Funding Loan
Screen Ireland continues its support of productions across the country with the “Nationwide Additional Production Fund”.
This additional production loan is for projects (live-action and animated feature film and television and short films) that are carrying out production in areas of Ireland outside a radius of 65km from the Dublin GPO.
Who Can Apply
The scheme is open to applications from Irish production companies (production companies registered in the Republic of Ireland which have an office and staff based in the Republic of Ireland) in relation to productions that are considering producing in the relevant areas of the Republic of Ireland.
Application Requirements
Productions that have not yet commenced principal photography/animation are eligible to apply for this funding.
Productions must have the balance of their finance fully confirmed at the time of application. All applications must involve the meaningful engagement of Irish crew in all grades and include programmes supporting new entrants, upskilling, sustainability and diversity and inclusion in the areas of Ireland outside a radius of 65km from the Dublin GPO.
Amounts available will be across three strands of activity with accompanying additional individual criteria listed below:
Funding Limits
- Strand One - Local Film and TV Production Support
Film and Television projects with total budgets in excess of €1,000,000 will be able to apply for up to a maximum loan of €300,000.
Companies must be in receipt of a Screen Ireland production loan offer and have a spend (in the areas of Ireland outside a radius of 65km from the Dublin GPO) ratio of at least 2:1.
Screen Ireland can only provide up to 65% of the total budget for the project inclusive of Screen Ireland’s production loan.
- Strand Two - Live Action Short Film Production Support
Companies must be in receipt of a Screen Ireland Focus Shorts production loan offer and will be able to apply for up to a maximum loan of €5,000 in relation to productions taking place outside the radius of 65km from the Dublin GPO.
- Strand Three - Live Action International
This strand is currently closed for applications.
How to Apply
Strand One: Applicants must fill in the dedicated application form and submit via email to applications@screenireland.ie alongside their application for Screen Ireland Production funding.
Strand Two: In advance of completing an application form, applicants must consult with Screen Ireland’s Head of Distribution and Short Film Production.
Criteria for Assessment
This Fund is selective and highly competitive and will be expended on those applications that best meet the objectives and criteria set out herein. In addition to applicants satisfying the Application Requirements and the “Legal Basis” requirements, described below, decisions on applications will be based on the following criteria and objectives and assessed on the basis of having delivered on each target.
- Supporting the growth of production activity nationwide particularly in areas that have not traditionally benefited from regular production activity (30).
- Driving the development of both on- and off-screen talent in the proposed location (30).
- Helping to build local employment outside of the established production hubs (20).
- For strands one and three only, how the production proposes to satisfy one or more of the following goals of:
- inspiring the next generation of local production crew and talent and/or:
- engaging the wider local community on the project or the wider screen industries and/or:
- attracting new audiences.
Please consult the FAQs and Application form for more details.
Productions are encouraged to think creatively and originally about achieving either or both of these goals. Please note this is distinct from and in addition to any skills development plan that may be required under the Section 481 tax incentive (20).
5. The track record of the applicant will also be taken into account.
All decisions will be required to be approved by a Screen Ireland panel. Projects declined cannot resubmit unless approved by Head of Feature Film / Head of Television, as applicable.
Please note that we expect this to be a competitive fund and all applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to meet the strategic policy objectives of the Fund.
Legal Basis
The NAPF is subject to the application of EU State aid rules.
Screen Ireland will operate the NAPF under Article 54 (“Aid Schemes for Audiovisual Works”) of the General Block Exemption Regulation (“GBER”). GBER is an EU measure that provides exemptions from the application of State aid rules in certain situations.
When applying for funding under the NAPF, applications must satisfy the requirements of:
- Article 54 of GBER;
(ii) other GBER rules (such as the incentive effect and the rules of cumulation (or “double funding” where other funding is also being applied to the same application/project)); and
(iii) the relevant Culture Test and the Industry Development Test of Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland.
While Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland has a responsibility to comply with the requirements of State aid rules, compliance also depends on the co-operation of applicants, including their adherence to relevant guidelines, their candour in making applications and meeting the requirements under GBER. Applicants should ensure that they seek their own independent, professional advice regarding State aid where necessary.
Application deadline
Applications will be assessed on rolling basis until funds are expended.
Additional Terms & Conditions
- These Guidelines and the Fund itself remain subject to amendment.
- Screen Ireland reserves the right to correct or clarify any part of these Guidelines and to determine the merit and suitability of individual applications. In the event that these Guidelines are altered or revised, an updated version will be made available on www.screenireland.ie and identified by the month and year it was published. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they are using the current version of the Guidelines and application form. Awards under this fund are not automatic and Screen Ireland will review all applications on a case-by-case basis.
- All documentation and publicity related to this initiative and investment funded by Screen Ireland must state that the activity is “supported by Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland’s Nationwide Additional Production Fund” and must contain the Screen Ireland logo which is available on request.
For more information on the scheme please contact:
Strand One: keith.potter@screenireland.ie
Strand Two: emma.scott@screenireland.ie
You can find Screen Ireland's Production Funding Guidelines here.
This page was last updated on 15/09/2025.